What AFG Autisme does

AFG Autisme is a French non-profit association (association déclarée) founded on February 11, 2005 and headquartered at 11 Rue de la Vistule, Paris. It is the principal association in France dedicated to the support of autistic persons, operating more than 80 establishments, services, and devices across 14 departments and supporting over 950 individuals through the lifespan. The association delivers a comprehensive care pathway including UEMA (maternal autism teaching units integrated in ordinary nursery schools), IME (medico-educational institutes), SESSAD (home-based specialized education and care), FAM (medicalized residential homes), ESAT (vocational rehabilitation workshops), GEM (mutual aid groups), and family respite services.

The organization's service model is grounded in evidence-based autism methodologies including TEACCH (structured classroom environments with identified motor, work, autonomous play, and group gathering spaces), ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis), and Alternative and Augmentative Communication (AAC) tools. Each beneficiary receives a personalized project developed by a multidisciplinary team of teachers, psychomotor therapists, psychologists, and family members, addressing communication, autonomy, socialization, behavior, sensoriality, motor skills, academic learning, and oral development. In 2025, AFG Autisme added VirtySens multisensory immersive VR capsules as an innovative therapeutic tool.

AFG Autisme operates sub-brands including AFG Autisme Formation (professional training aligned with HAS and ANESM best practice recommendations) and AFG Sport et Autisme (inclusive and adapted sports programs). Revenue derives primarily from French public healthcare funding via the Regional Health Agencies (ARS), supplemented by professional training fees, donations, and corporate sponsorships (notably Sanofi Mission Handicap). The association is led by President André Masin (Chevalier de la Légion d'Honneur and Ordre national du Mérite) and Director General Jonathan Martinez. Strategic partnerships span cultural institutions (Musée du Louvre, Bourse de Commerce-Pinault Collection, Centre des Monuments Nationaux), certification bodies (Handéo, Formavision, DEKRA), corporate sponsors (Sanofi, Vallourec), and sports organizations (Fédération Française Handisport, ASVEL Basket).

Name

AFG Autisme

Legal name

AFG Autisme

Website

https://afg-autisme.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2005

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

AFG Autisme is a French non-profit association operating 80+ medico-social establishments across 14 departments, providing comprehensive autism support (UEMA, IME, ESAT, FAM) to 950+ children, adults, and families through public ARS funding, evidence-based methodologies (TEACCH, ABA, AAC), and professional training services.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Autism Medico-Social Services

NAICS

Educational Support Services (611710), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Child and Youth Services (62411), Residential Intellectual and Developmental Disability Facilities (62321)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300), Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Autism-Specific Schools & Programs (EDAKAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Autism Early Intervention (Educational) (EDAKAKAB), Autism Communication Support (AAC, Pragmatics & Language) (EDAKAKAG), Autism Assistive Technology & Learning Tools (Educational) (EDAKAKAM), Assistive Technology & AAC for Young Children (EDACAFAL)

Keywords

• Autism support services
• Medico-social care
• Special education services
• Disability support programs
• Vocational rehabilitation

Headquarters

HQ city

Paris

HQ country

France

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Public healthcare funding (ARS): As a medico-social association, AFG Autisme receives public funding from the French Regional Health Agency (ARS) to operate its network of ESMS establishments. Funding is allocated based on the number and type of beneficiaries and approved care protocols.
2. Professional training services: AFG Autisme Formation provides professional training services to develop quality of support for autistic persons in accordance with HAS and ANESM best practice recommendations.
3. Donations: The association accepts donations to support its actions and improve quality of life for autistic persons it supports. Charitable events such as galas generate additional funds.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels8 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

AFG Autisme operates a network of more than 80 medico-social establishments, services and devices across 14 French departments, providing structured care and support for autistic children, adolescents, and adults. The association delivers early intervention through UEMA units, comprehensive educational care via IME and SESSAD, residential care through FAM, vocational rehabilitation through ESAT, mutual aid groups (GEM), respite services, professional training (AFG Autisme Formation), and inclusive sports programs (AFG Sport et Autisme).

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• AFG Autisme Formation: Training division focused on developing quality of support for autistic persons following HAS and ANESM best practice recommendations
• AFG Sport et Autisme

Products and services

• UEMA (Unité d'Enseignement Maternelle Autisme) Early intervention units integrated within ordinary nursery schools, each welcoming 7 children aged 3 to 6 with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Provides structured behavioral, educational, and developmental support based on TEACCH methodology, with four units certified at the QualUEMA Expert level.
• IME (Institut Médico-Éducatif) Comprehensive educational and care establishments for children and adolescents with autism, providing multidisciplinary support including medical, educational, psychological, and therapeutic services across multiple developmental domains.
• SESSAD (Service d'Éducation Spécialisée et de Soins à Domicile) Home-based specialized education and care services supporting children and adolescents with autism in their natural environment. Includes SESSAD Les Noisetiers operating a Dispositif d'Auto-Régulation (DAR) at Collège La Chênaie in Mouans-Sartoux since September 2024.
• FAM (Foyer d'Accueil Médicalisé) Residential care facilities for adults with autism requiring ongoing medical support, providing adapted housing, daily living assistance, and continuous care.
• ESAT (Établissement et Service d'Aide par le Travail) Vocational rehabilitation services supporting work integration for adults with disabilities through green space maintenance and packaging activities. ESAT Les Colombages currently employs 37 workers and has been operating for 30 years.
• GEM (Groupe d'Entraide Mutuelle) Mutual aid groups for adults with autism providing social connection and peer support. GEM Ardena Mouans Sartoux has 25 members after nearly 2 years of operation.
• Dispositif de répit 'Aragon' Respite care facility at IME Les Enfants Terribles in Montreuil providing benevolent and stimulating welcome for 10 autistic children who are deschooled or in partial schooling without institutional care coverage. Operates Monday to Friday with educational, sports, and cultural activities.
• AFG Autisme Formation Professional training services developing quality of support for autistic persons in accordance with HAS and ANESM best practice recommendations. Catalog available via catalogueformpro.com for sector professionals.
• AFG Sport et Autisme Inclusive and adapted sports programs for autistic persons operating at national and regional levels. Includes partnerships with sports clubs and participation in initiatives such as 'Bienvenue au club', adapted basketball sessions with ASVEL Basket, and Handisport events.
• VirtySens Multisensory Capsules Virtual reality-based multisensory therapy capsules engaging four senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch) through high-definition films in 2D, 3D, 180° or 360° formats, binaural sound, fragrance diffusion, and hot/cold air flows. Includes discovery experiences, positive memories, and relaxation programs developed with a sophrologist-psychologist and psychomotor therapist.

Quantifiable outcome

• 99/100 gender equality index achieved in 2025
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• VirtySensflagshipTechnology or Integration · 1 January 2025Partnership to equip multiple establishments with VirtySens multisensory immersive capsules. The technology engages four senses (sight, hearing, smell, touch) for sensory stimulation and well-being, developed with psychologies and psychomotor specialists.
• ASVEL BasketcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 26 August 2024Long-standing partnership for inclusive basketball activities. Co-organized adapted basketball session during Paralympic Flame celebration with 15 players with autism and neurodevelopmental disorders participating.
• Disneyland ParisminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 4 April 2024Supported visit to Disneyland Paris for 30 children from IME Cap Autisme (ages 4-15), 30 staff, and 10 parents, funded by Sanofi Mission Handicap.
• HandéocoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 January 2024AFG Autisme joined the Board of Directors of Handéo, a major player in the Social and Solidarity Economy serving persons with disabilities and fragile populations. President André Masin participated in the creation of Handéo, the Cap'Handéo certification committee, and national autism certification committees.
• Musée du LouvreflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Cultural partnership beginning January 2024 aimed at making art and culture accessible to all, particularly young autistic persons. Multiple sessions organized in establishments and within the museum, with participation from IME Cap Autisme and UEMA Surmelin.
• Bourse de Commerce - Pinault CollectionflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Monthly guided tours of the museum and adapted creative workshops for persons accompanied by AFG Autisme. Includes sensitization sessions for museum mediation teams on autism and inclusive practices.
• Centre des Monuments Nationaux (CMN)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership to improve accessibility of national monuments for autistic persons. AFG Autisme conducted national sensitization webinar for CMN staff and detailed accessibility work with Arc de Triomphe including sensory comfort analysis.
• Culture pour l'EnfanceflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Partnership making artistic and cultural education accessible to autistic children and adolescents while supporting cultural sector professionals in adapting their practices. Parisian establishments receive free access to cultural venues including Atelier des Lumières and Musée Jacquemart-André.
• FormavisioncoreTechnology or IntegrationOrganization federating 160+ experts in Neurodevelopmental Disorders providing training, supervision, and support to ESMS establishments. Over 500 establishments use their approach, which contributes to certification criteria including HANDEO and QualUEMA labels. Supervises 184 UEMA and 89 UEEA units.
• DEKRAcoreTechnology or IntegrationOne of 5 world leaders in TIC (Testing, Inspections, Certification), COFRAC-accredited organization conducting audits for UEMA certification including the QualUEMA Expert level audits for AFG Autisme.
• Sports clubs in AubecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with 6 sports clubs in Aube including Dévers Troyes Aube, ASPTT Troyes, Troyes Chapelle Natation, Basket Club Saint-André, Cercle équestre La Fermette, and Handball Club Savino-Chapelain for inclusive sports under 'Bienvenue au club' initiative.
• Hôtel de Ville de TroyescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerHost venue for charity gala benefiting Pôle Aubtimisme, raising 20,300 euros for sports activities during school holidays for children with disabilities.
• Est Ensemble HabitatminorGTM or Marketing PartnerHousing partner that supported the opening of the Aragon respite facility in Montreuil.
• Ville de MontreuilminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMunicipal partner that supported the opening of the Aragon respite facility for autistic children.
• Collège La Chênaie de Mouans-SartouxcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSchool partnership hosting a Dispositif d'Auto-Régulation (DAR) since September 2024, operated by SESSAD Les Noisetiers of AFG Autisme to support students with neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Aquarium Tropical de ParisminorGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural partner that welcomed IME CAP Autisme pole Harmonie for accessible visit testing FALC (Facile à Lire et à Comprendre) booklet for people with disabilities.
• Fédération Française HandisportminorGTM or Marketing PartnerOrganizer of Handisport Open Paris 2025, the largest adapted sports athletics gathering in France, which IME CAP Autisme youth attended.

Scale indicators16 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Direct peers

• Fondation John Bost: Large French non-profit operating residential medico-social facilities (MAS, FAM, IME) for adults and children with autism and other developmental disabilities. Comparable ESMS model with similar funding structure.
• APAJH (Association Pour Adultes et Jeunes Handicapés): Major French federation providing medico-social and educational services for children and adults with disabilities, including autism. Operates a comparable ESMS network with similar ARS funding and MDPH access pathways.
• Sésame Autisme: French national federation of autism-focused associations operating medico-social establishments (IME, MAS, Foyers) across France. Directly comparable to AFG Autisme in mission, ESMS service mix, and ARS-funded operations, with similar geographic scope.
• ADAPEI (Fédération Française des Associations pour l'Accompagnement et l'Intégration des Personnes en situation de Handicap): National federation of ~600 associations operating medico-social services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism. Largest competitor in the French ESMS autism space with broader disability scope.
• UNAPEI: National federation of associations supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, including autism-specific services. Comparable in scale, scope, and legislative advocacy role to AFG Autisme.

Emerging players

• Autisme France: Parent-led national advocacy association shaping French autism policy and providing guidance to families. Less focused on direct ESMS operations than AFG Autisme but overlapping in family-facing services and policy influence.

Broad incumbents

• APF France handicap (anciennement Association des Paralysés de France): One of the largest French disability associations operating a nationwide ESMS network with broader disability scope than autism. Comparable as a competing national operator in the medico-social space.
• La Croix-Rouge française: Major French non-profit operating a wide range of medico-social establishments including disability services. Comparable as a large-scale ESMS operator with diversified funding and national reach.

Others

• Handéo: French social-economy federation developing disability service quality standards and certifications (Cap'Handéo). AFG Autisme sits on its board; comparable in advocacy and standard-setting but not a direct service operator.

Regional players

• Mutualité Française: Federation of French mutual insurance organizations that operate a significant network of medico-social establishments, including some serving autism and developmental disabilities. Comparable service infrastructure and funding model.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@AFGAutisme
• Facebookfacebook.com/afgautisme
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/afg-autisme2
• Instagraminstagram.com/afg.autisme

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about AFG Autisme