BusynMember
Well-Known Member
Because of Malika's thread, I decided to explore why french authors may view autism as such a negative thing. I came up with a few really sad and scary articles which bode ill for those in France who have autism. I am copy and pasting one article and posting the link to another. Seems that they are behind the rest of the world in understanding autism! It makes me understand how horrible it must be to even acknowledge a child has ADHD in France...a condition which is not seen as terrible in most countries.
Why is Autism in dire situation in France? Is there real abuse?
The documentary is the tip of the iceberg. The issue is much deeper. The problem of autism in France is dramatic compared to most developed countries.
For instance, autism is viewed very often there as a 'psychosis', a mental health issue. Some even regard it as 'child schizophrenia'. As a result, most kids with autism are institutionalized in psychiatric units from a very young age until old age. In many ways, Autism in France still looks at times like the old movies 'Rain Man' or even 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'.
Theories are not just backwards. They can be really harmful. Followers of the psychoanalytic theories of the early 20[SUP]th[/SUP] century continue to blame mothers for the autism of their child. As a result, social services sometime withdraw the children from their parents based on this crazy theory.
80% of the children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) don't go to school and many kids receive their diagnosis after age six.
Worse, France still allow very harsh techniques, such as 'packing', a 'barbaric' practice which consists of wrapping children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), naked, or in undies, in cold wet sheets (at 50°F, 10°C), like mummies. I invite you to read more about packing on our website.
Some parents decide to protect their children and bring their children in exile to Belgium so they can receive better care and have access to schools.
What can we do about it?
It is time to say 'enough' to France, which has been already condemned by the Council of Europe in 2004. Even though 2012 has been declared the year of National Attention for Autism by the French Government, no real decision has been made to stop abuse.
On January 24[SUP]th[/SUP] evening, we plan on releasing a funny video to celebrate the selection of the French movie 'The Artist' for the Oscars.
On January 26[SUP]th[/SUP], Sophie Robert and I will give a press conference in English in New York City. Sophie Robert will discuss the court decision. I will launch an international campaign to stop abuse of autistics in France and we hope many of you will sign our petition.
You will be able to watch the conference live for free on USTREAM: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/support-the-wall-press-conference
Alex Plank and many others (Temple Grandin, Donna Williams, Diane Fraser, Travis Thompson, Tony Attwood, etc) are following and supporting our campaign.
We need your help to make it really successful and to change the lives of children and adults on the spectrum in France and elsewhere.
Don't forget to check regularly our website: http://www.supportthewall.org'
And Keep Checking Wrong Planet for more information!
This link is another one about autism in France:
http://runningahospital.blogspot.com/2012/01/autism-in-france.html
Why is Autism in dire situation in France? Is there real abuse?
The documentary is the tip of the iceberg. The issue is much deeper. The problem of autism in France is dramatic compared to most developed countries.
For instance, autism is viewed very often there as a 'psychosis', a mental health issue. Some even regard it as 'child schizophrenia'. As a result, most kids with autism are institutionalized in psychiatric units from a very young age until old age. In many ways, Autism in France still looks at times like the old movies 'Rain Man' or even 'One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest'.
Theories are not just backwards. They can be really harmful. Followers of the psychoanalytic theories of the early 20[SUP]th[/SUP] century continue to blame mothers for the autism of their child. As a result, social services sometime withdraw the children from their parents based on this crazy theory.
80% of the children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) don't go to school and many kids receive their diagnosis after age six.
Worse, France still allow very harsh techniques, such as 'packing', a 'barbaric' practice which consists of wrapping children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), naked, or in undies, in cold wet sheets (at 50°F, 10°C), like mummies. I invite you to read more about packing on our website.
Some parents decide to protect their children and bring their children in exile to Belgium so they can receive better care and have access to schools.
What can we do about it?
It is time to say 'enough' to France, which has been already condemned by the Council of Europe in 2004. Even though 2012 has been declared the year of National Attention for Autism by the French Government, no real decision has been made to stop abuse.
On January 24[SUP]th[/SUP] evening, we plan on releasing a funny video to celebrate the selection of the French movie 'The Artist' for the Oscars.
On January 26[SUP]th[/SUP], Sophie Robert and I will give a press conference in English in New York City. Sophie Robert will discuss the court decision. I will launch an international campaign to stop abuse of autistics in France and we hope many of you will sign our petition.
You will be able to watch the conference live for free on USTREAM: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/support-the-wall-press-conference
Alex Plank and many others (Temple Grandin, Donna Williams, Diane Fraser, Travis Thompson, Tony Attwood, etc) are following and supporting our campaign.
We need your help to make it really successful and to change the lives of children and adults on the spectrum in France and elsewhere.
Don't forget to check regularly our website: http://www.supportthewall.org'
And Keep Checking Wrong Planet for more information!
This link is another one about autism in France:
http://runningahospital.blogspot.com/2012/01/autism-in-france.html