Autism: Édouard Cousyn, autonomy at all costs

The music, the rhythm in the skin, Edward Cousyna 25-year-old autistic young man, has always liked to dance and exert himself. In a residence for people disabled it lives alone in his apartment, with the activities that follow one another and punctuate the day. He’s been there for a year, and quickly found his feet. “As and when measure it knew how to find his bearings in his accommodation”explains Pauline Melaspecial education teacher. For 18 years, France 2 has been sharing the progress of Édouard, the daily life of his loved ones. Thanks to the educators, he learns over the years to control his disorders. He goes through internships in catering and last year, the leap into the unknown: Édouard leaves his parents and moves into his own home. A crucial step: quite a symbol for his family.

A daily meeting, a call to his parents

And a few days ago, France 2 found him in his pretty 40 m2. In a year, he seems to have adapted well. Educators come to see him several times a day to define the tasks he must perform. To do the laundry or the shopping at the market, their presence is still necessary. “Ithe need to be accompanied for the budget, for the exact sum and the return of change”says an educator. When the washing machine is finished, it’s time to hang it up and cook with the educator. The evening, he will spend it alone. With an appointment every evening that he almost never misses. 9:30 p.m.he calls his parents. Valuable news for all family members.