- organisational and staffing requirements,
- medical supervision,
- intervention intensity and duration,
- caregiver involvement,
- and evaluation and data-collection procedures.
Importantly, the IFIAV specifies that scientifically recognised intervention approaches may consist of:
- behavioural therapy,
- developmental therapy,
- or a combination of both.
The ordinance also confirms that interventions must generally:
- extend over at least two years,
- include both individual and small-group intervention,
- appropriately involve caregivers,
- and provide a minimum average intensity of:
- 15 hours weekly for in-person intervention,
- or 10 hours weekly for remote intervention models.
ABA Switzerland welcomes this important first step toward a more structured national framework for autism early intervention in Switzerland. We are particularly encouraged by the recognition of evidence-based behavioural and developmental approaches within a flexible interdisciplinary model.At the same time, important challenges remain. The current framework applies to organisations attached to public institutions or operating under cantonal mandates, which means that many independent clinicians and providers remain outside the system. Access to intervention may also continue to vary considerably between cantons, particularly given the limited number of approved intervention places currently available in many regions.As implementation progresses, continued dialogue around workforce development, training standards, interdisciplinary collaboration, and equitable access to quality intervention services across Switzerland will remain essential.
