Association Resource Santé Autisme et Troubles Neurodéveloppementaux (ARSA-TND)

The main purpose of the Association Ressource Santé Autisme et Troubles Neurodéveloppementaux (ARSATND) is to strengthen the quality, coherence, and access to care, training, and research in the field of autism and neurodevelopmental disorders in Valais. It aims to promote practices based on scientific knowledge, develop specialized diagnostic and multidisciplinary care services, support research and innovation, and federate professionals in the medico-social and educational network. The association also acts as a support, advisory, and advocacy structure for institutions and public authorities, while promoting the inclusion and social participation of affected individuals and their families. Its detailed missions are as follows: 1. Improvement of professional practices a) Promote diagnostic, therapeutic, and educational practices based on current scientific knowledge. b) Develop common standards among devices across the canton and foster coordination and complementarity between disciplines. c) Implement continuing education for concerned professionals. 2. Development of specialized services a) Prioritize the creation of a reference system for the evaluation and diagnosis of complex neurodevelopmental disorders. b) Design and experiment with new forms of care, centered on multidisciplinary expertise, diagnostic quality, and equitable access to care. c) Develop complementary services combining medical expertise, transdisciplinary support, and guidance towards appropriate care. d) Serve as a support and scientific and clinical advisory structure for partner institutions. e) Organize care pathways for affected individuals and their families. 3. Research and innovation a) Develop and support fundamental and applied research projects on autism and neurodevelopmental disorders. b) Foster participation in national and international research networks. c) Experiment with and evaluate new assessment, monitoring, and intervention tools. 4. Networking and field anchoring a) Federate professionals engaged in the field of neurodevelopmental disorders at the cantonal and regional levels. b) Develop an active presence in the field, close to educational, medical, and social institutions, to identify needs directly with the teams. c) Strengthen inter-institutional collaboration and support interprofessional collaboration through regular meetings, joint projects, and exchange platforms. d) Create bridges with family and affected person associations. 5. Professional advocacy and public policy development a) Report the needs identified by field professionals to the competent authorities. 6. Social inclusion and participation a) Participate in projects promoting the inclusion of people with autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders at all ages. b) Promote their participation in educational, professional, cultural, and social domains. In pursuing its purpose, the association aims for a significant positive societal and environmental impact within the framework of its care, service, and operational activities.