Valérie, to begin with: what should we know about autism?
The first thing to understand is that autism is not a disease. It is a neurodevelopmental condition that appears in early childhood and continues throughout life. It affects how people communicate, interact, and behave. But there isn’t just one form of autism. Experiences vary widely. That’s why we talk about autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
Each person has their own way of functioning. Even today, these differences are often misunderstood. Raising awareness helps make the invisible more visible. Communication challenges, social interaction difficulties, specific needs, but also strengths and unique ways of engaging with the world. Better understanding is the first step toward building a more inclusive society.
Why does 2 April matter?
The day marks a moment to pause and raise visibility about an everyday challenge for thousands of families. It helps shift the conversation, moving beyond stereotypes and reminding us that behind the word autism are real people, real lives, and real stories.
It’s also a way to get people involved. Inclusion is not just the responsibility of families or professionals. It concerns all of us. This day gives everyone a chance to learn, to see things differently, and sometimes to take action.
To mark 2 April, Orange is running a series of initiatives across France and internationally. From awareness in stores and on social media to employee engagement, blue ribbon initiatives, and support for local associations. We’re dedicating a full week, from 30 March to 4 April, to better understanding autism and encouraging action.
What are the most urgent needs today?
The needs are clear, but still not fully met. First, there is a need for better training and awareness, both for professionals and the general public. This helps avoid misunderstandings and ensures more appropriate support.
There is also a real access challenge: access to specialized services, to both early and long-term support, and to solutions tailored to each individual. Because every situation is different, support needs to be personalized, which requires sufficient human and financial resources.
Inclusion remains a key issue, especially at school and in everyday social life. Too many children and adults with autism still do not have the conditions they need to find their place.
And finally, it is important to talk about families. When support is missing or difficult to access, families step in. That can quickly become overwhelming. This is why support networks, relief options, and moments where families can step back are so important.
What led you to get involved?
For me, it’s very personal. It’s part of my own story. I’m the grandmother of a 5-year-old boy with autism. That changes your perspective. You no longer see things from the outside. You experience them.
At first, there are a lot of questions. How can I help? How can I understand? I started learning and looking for answers. Then I wanted to do more, not stay alone with that experience. That’s how I became a volunteer with VA in 2024, and then regional lead for Île-de-France.
Today, I support other volunteers and families. Because when you go through something like this, you also want to turn it into something useful for others.
What does VA do in practice?
At Volontaires pour les personnes avec autisme, our priority is simple: give families a break and chance to breathe. That can mean support sessions, outings, or more structured programs.
For example, we organize stays such as “Je pars, tu pars, il part". This enables, a volunteer to support the child with over the course of a week through a tailored schedule. Parents can truly rest. These moments are rare, but essential.
We also support families during outings, such as visits to the Cité des Sciences. It allows families to spend time together, while the child with ASD is supported and safe.
What’s more, the association works with a psychotherapist, who meets with families and helps ensure the right match between each child and their volunteer. It also provides background support to volunteers, helping create a more tailored and reassuring experience for everyone. These may seem like simple things, but they make a real difference in everyday life.
What challenges do caregivers still face?
What comes up most often is a sense of isolation. Some families are not aware of the support available. Others do not have access to suitable solutions, especially at school.
I’ve experienced it myself. At times, we had to organize everything within the family, take time off, and take turns. You do what you can, but it takes a lot of energy. And not everyone has that option. That’s why associations are essential. They provide practical solutions, but also emotional support. Simply not feeling alone can make a huge difference.
How people get involved?
There is no single way to contribute. You can give your time, volunteer, or make a donation. Even small actions matter. At Orange, for example, employees can take part in salary rounding. Each month, they can round down their salary to the nearest euro and donate the difference to an association. These are very small amounts, barely noticeable individually, but together they help fund real support for families.
On autisme.fr, all the information is available to join VA. Many other associations are also active every day. The idea is simple: if you want to help, there is a place for you. And beyond action, there is awareness. Talking about autism, sharing information, helping others understand. Sometimes that is already a big step toward greater inclusion.
What stands out about the Orange Foundation’s commitment?
What stands out is consistency. The Orange Foundation has been there with practical, meaningful actions that make a real difference for over 35 years. It does not just support the cause. It works alongside associations and families.
This support makes it possible, for example, to fund adapted stays, help children go on vacation, alone or with their families, and organize activities. These are valuable moments. They give parents a break and offer meaningful experiences for children.
There is also the awareness work. Every year around 2 April, Orange runs initiatives over the course of a full week: in stores, with employees, through visible actions such as wearing the blue ribbon or sharing awareness content. This helps change perceptions, and that matters.
