Autism in France

The history of autism in France has been shaped by the influence of psychoanalysis and institutionalization practices that have often violated the rights of autistic individuals. As of 2016, it was estimated that 0.7 to 1% of the French population has an autism spectrum disorder, with many cases undiagnosed, leading to varying degrees of disability.

Before medical and intervention efforts, autistic individuals were often marginalized and subjected to mistreatment. The first steps toward addressing autism in France began in the 1950s, with Professor Roger Misès establishing day hospitals and creating the French classification of mental disorders in children. Interest in autism increased after the publication of Bruno Bettelheim's The Empty Fortress (1967). In the 1990s, the government, under Simone Veil, began to take action, and by the early 2000s, parents' associations began challenging the psychiatric approach that viewed autism as a mental illness tied to poor parenting. These efforts led to autism being recognized as a disability and the introduction of new policies, including four "Autism Plans" in the 2000s. These plans aimed to improve school enrollment and employment opportunities for autistic individuals, and autism is now recognized as a spectrum disorder.

The treatment of autism in France has been marked by debates over intervention methods. These debates often center on differing views between supporters of behavioral approaches and those who maintain psychoanalytic perspectives. Additionally, specific practices, such as using the term "autistic" as an insult and the overmedication of individuals with neuroleptics, have been sources of social exclusion and suffering. Recent research advocates for focusing on the unique interests of people with autism to foster a more inclusive society.