autism

[Suee]

I'd be interested to chat to anyone who has experience of French provision for autistic children. Thanks, Sue.

[Deby]

Hi Sue,

Whilst french doctors are very good with understanding and dealing with autism - the education/social structure in france deals with this in my opinion quite poorly. 

It is not encouraged really for children with mild forms of autism to enter mainstream schools, if they are the teachers are not trained to deal with autism at all - rather they leave it up to the 'specialist' teacher.  The teachers just tend to view the 'specialist teacher' as just an extra resource to off-load 'difficult children' onto.  It is indeed very sad.

There are schools/institutions that deal with autism but I feel they are no more than just that - institutions. Some parents have little control of what goes on which is very frightening. 

I might add that I am not an expert and havent had full on experience of dealing with autism - just dipped my toe in the water, so really whether I am giving a true picture I don't know and am just re-telling my experiences.  I hope I am wrong and I hope I discover more positive responses to this thread.

I have friends in the UK who are dealing with autism everyday and the structure there seems far better - more inclusive.

Deby