An introduction to CRAs and their missions

In 1999, 4 pilot CRAs were created in 4 French regions (Champagne-Ardenne, Bretagne – Pays de la Loire, Languedoc Roussillon and Centre).

Following a positive assessment of these 4 pilot centres, they were generalised across the country as part of the first National Autism Plan (2005-2007) with the setting-up of one centre in each region. In 2005, they were brought together under one umbrella body, the Association of Autism Resource Centres (ANCRA), which has since then been disbanded.

CRAs are health and social care facilities that are authorised and funded by Regional Health Agencies (ARS) and run by a multi-disciplinary team specialised in Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). There are currently 26 CRAs in mainland France and French overseas territories. They have been brought together under one umbrella body, the GNCRA, since 2017.

CRAs do not directly provide care but they play a part in care provision together with the health and social care systems in their region.

Since the Third National Autism Plan (2013-2017), CRAs have been at the heart of the threefold strategy “Detection – Diagnosis – Early action” set up according to the terms and conditions specific to each region and in cooperation with a network of stakeholders active in detection, diagnosis and support and in association with family representatives. Local branches are being created more and more to spread CRA action as close as possible to people on the ground.

Missions

The first missions of CRAs were laid out in the circular dated 8 March 2005.

In 2017, pursuant to the Decree dated 5 May, 10 missions were defined, together with the minimum technical requirements in terms of organisation and operations:

• Reception, counselling, information and guidance
• Promoting and disseminating guidelines on best practices, and updated information on ASD
• Providing support and expert advice on diagnostic and functional assessments and carrying out such assessments for complex cases
• Awareness campaigns or training for family caregivers and professionals
• Support to MDPH teams
• Contributing to scientific and regulatory monitoring and brainstorming on professional practices
• Participating in studies and research
• Participating in coordinating regional networks of stakeholders
• Contributing expertise and advice to Regional Health Agencies (ARS), local government services and local authorities
• Providing expertise and advice to national and international bodies active on ASD

Target audience

CRAs are aimed at any person affected by or interested in ASD:

• Children, teenagers and adults with ASD
• Families, parents, caregivers
• Professionals in the health sector, in support, MDPH, Education, universities, etc.
• Anybody interested in ASD