Inaugurated in 1999 in Lèves – around 6 km from Chartres, 90 km from Paris – La Chanterelle is currently the only facility for autistic adults (32) in the Eure-et-Loir department. Their average age is 31 years. The facility is always fully occupied and there is a long waiting list. The buildings, belonging to the department’s general council, include four houses with accommodation with spaces for activities and administration covering a surface of 7000 m2.

Since 2004, institutional difficulties have made the “Autisme 28″ association administrating the facility consider transferring its management to a larger entity. In October 2009 it turned to the Ordre de Malte France, both for its experience in this sector and for the similar assistance systems adopted. The agreement has entrusted the management of the facility to Ordre de Malte France from 1 January this year. In France, autism has been declared as the Great National Cause for 2012.

The Ordre de Malte France currently assists some 100 autistic adults in various facilities.