In GAUTENA, children and adolescents diagnosed of having an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) are provided with a customised treatment plan that is co-ordinated by a member of the Society’s medical-psychological team.

This specialist team will have already completed the diagnostic process (something which normally occurs during early infancy), and will then establish a plan involving all those persons who have frequent contact with the child.

To develop the plan, a series of individual sessions are held involving the family, focusing particularly on difficulties linked to communication and social relations. The sessions aim to establish and agree upon strategies to be applied in all the environments in which the child grows up. Also, with older children, we use group therapy, aiming at fostering social, communicative and adaptive skills. Where appropriate, we also use complementary psychotropic medication.

¿HOW CAN YOU ACCESS THIS SERVICE?

Any family that suspects that a given child may have an ASD should check with his or her paediatrician. Subsequently, if the psychologists, psychiatrists and neurologists of the Basque Public Health Service – OSAKIDETZA confirm the presence of symptoms compatible with ASD, they will refer the family to GAUTENA, so that we can initiate a process of formal diagnosis and possible treatment.

¿WHAT DO WE AIM TO ACHIEVE WITH THIS SERVICE?

Clinical diagnosis is very important and is complemented by the establishment of a psychological profile of each person which enables us to define both his or her strong points as well as the areas that need to be improved. Through the treatment provided we aim to reduce the difficulties generated by ASD and foster personal development. By establishing the bases which lay the groundwork for the adaptation of these children to their environment (and vice versa), we help develop their skills, with the crucial assistance of those around them, with the aim of gradually increasing their autonomy and improving their quality of life.

¿HOW DOES THE SERVICE WORK?

The psychiatrists and psychologists in the GAUTENA team design the therapeutic interventions included in each individualised programme, which is elaborated in collaboration with the child’s family. In addition to the services which focus on the clients themselves, we also provide advice and support for those living with them, particularly their schools, thereby ensuring a coherent response to their needs and taking advantage of the natural opportunities that arise during the normal course of the day to foster their progress and development.

The frequency and intensity of the treatment provided, which is arranged in collaboration with the Basque National Health Service –OSAKIDETZA, is agreed upon with each individual family, depending on the specific needs of the client to be treated. When other health, educational or social services are required, access to such resources is managed by the members of the medical-psychological team, who will assume responsibility for the required administrative procedures.

If you would like to find out more about us, please write to the following e-mail address direccionmedica@gautena.org or call 943 215344. To find out more about autism and our services, visit http://www.gautena.org/