Luxembourg foundation launches early autism intervention program
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The Autism Luxembourg Foundation will begin offering the Lollipop program in January, providing early intervention for children aged one to four who have or are suspected of having autism.
The program, based on the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), a method recommended in France by the Haute Autorité de santé, will take place at the foundation’s Belvaux center. Six children will participate three half-days a week, focusing on play-based learning to help them rejoin social settings.
The ESDM method emphasizes a natural, developmental, and behavioral approach, tailoring goals to each child’s interests to strengthen communication, interaction, and attention skills. Staff will assess each child with input from parents to understand their needs and preferences, leveraging the brain’s plasticity at this young age to improve development. Currently, Luxembourg lacks intensive early intervention programs for toddlers with autism, and diagnostic delays are common, hindering timely support.
The foundation hopes this new service, funded by the Fondation Losch through 2029, will address this gap. Parents concerned about their child’s development are encouraged to consult a pediatric psychiatrist and contact the Autism Luxembourg Foundation.
