In a context where scientific advances increasingly illuminate neurodevelopmental pathways regarding autism and ADHD, it becomes urgent for France to move away from psychoanalytical approaches. The ineffectiveness of these methods in addressing the needs of affected children and families raises a genuine debate about the future of mental health care. This article explores the reasons why France must evolve towards scientifically validated practices.
The limitations of psychoanalytical approaches
For decades, psychoanalysis has held a predominant place in the landscape of support for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, recent studies challenge the effectiveness of these approaches, indicating that they do not meet the objective realities of children with disorders such as autism and ADHD. The recommendations of the High Authority of Health are clear: psychoanalytical methods, although historically rooted in the French healthcare system, have not shown significant results and must be replaced by evidence-based interventions.
Harmful consequences for children
Resorting to psychoanalytical therapies can be particularly dangerous for the affected children. In extreme cases, certain practices, such as “packing,” have been classified as acts of abuse by international organizations. By preventing access to appropriate and validated treatments, these practices not only lead to delays in cognitive development but also represent an unacceptable loss of chances for these young patients. Families then find themselves in a position of vulnerability, often isolated in the face of a care system that does not meet their expectations or those of their children.
A call for equal rights
The maintenance of psychoanalytical practices in the context of supporting neurodevelopmental disorders constitutes a violation of the fundamental rights of children and their families. Parents, already faced with numerous challenges, encounter unacceptable guilt when professionals attempt to attribute their children’s difficulties to parental shortcomings. This reductive and erroneous view of neurodevelopmental disorders negatively impacts the mental health of families. Current recommendations advocate for valid educational and behavioral approaches, where parents are actively involved in the process.
The specificity of the needs of autistic individuals
The cognitive characteristics of autistic individuals require tailored approaches, far removed from the symbolic interpretations of psychoanalysis. Non-verbal or minimally verbal children, in particular, benefit more from clinically evaluated intervention methods that take into account their communication styles and specific needs. Science, as an evolving tool, must guide the framework of proposed interventions, thereby favoring tangible and lasting outcomes for these children and their families.
Towards a future based on modernity and evidence
France has an unprecedented opportunity to align its practices with international advances in health and neurodevelopment. Adopting methods based on scientific evidence would not only improve the support for children suffering from autism and ADHD but also reduce the costs associated with an outdated public health system. The stakes are clear: it is time to abandon ineffective practices and secure access to quality care for all.
