1. Specific Department for Newly Diagnosed Population Newly Diagnosed (ND) With no sequels With minimal impairment

2. Present Paradox The earlier diagnosis The harder emotional impact

3. Panic facing disabilityRun away Mistake: Taking this issue to the field of discrimination It´s not a rejection of the other´s disability but fear of the own potencial impairment Chronicity asks for time The association must provide it Caring about homogeneity at the starting point Providing Access Ramps

4. Functions of the association * Mere existence * Referral for quality (medical team, treatment, general management) * Source of Reliable Information * Support to people with MS and their families * Introducer of the broad range of resources and suggestions * Place of belonging (shared background) * Company in chronicity * Complement to the medical care * General counselling provider How to live with MS ?

5. Resources Initial interviews: Support and counselling Now what? You can live with MS Family interviews: Support and counselling Detection of compensatory attitudes. Prevention Different levels in socializing with peers Communication through e-mail Pre – institutional meetings Support groups

6. Resources Body work sessions Harmonization Acceptance of the first difficulties Social and legal counselling and assistance

7. Support group Professional coordination Frequency: every 14 days Open (after a preliminary interview) Numerous registration (absences as a part of the process) Place to focus on MS // Life is not only MS

8. Who are our clients? Year Total admission interviews SequeledNewly diagnosed 2000293143 (48,8%) 150 (51,2%) 2001259137 (52,9%) 122 (47,1%) 2002383142 37% 241 63%

9. Needs of the ND Multiple and varying Taylor - made proposals Professional flexibility Thank you !!!