Nearly 600,000 adults are autistic in France.
Asperger’s Syndrome or Autism Asperger is included in the autism spectrum disorder (a TSA) in the diagnostic and statistical manual of worldly recognized mental disorders (DSM-5). It is also classified in this way in the CIM 11 of the WHO (classification of diseases) even if it is not a disease. Autism spectrum disorders result from neurodevelopment abnormalities. They appear early during early childhood and persist in adulthood. They represent around 7,500 babies born each year, according to the ministry of people with disabilities. The High Authority for Health estimates that around 100,000 young people under the age of 20 and nearly 600,000 adults are autistic in France.
Definition: What is Asperger’s syndrome?
Described for the first time in 1944 by Dr. Hans Asperger, an Austrian psychiatrist, Asperger’s autism or Asperger’s syndrome is a complex neurological disorder that affects brain functions and is associated with a very good intellectual development. However, a third of the people affected by a TSA present an intellectual disability, of very variable gravity. Autism spectrum disorders are part of neuro-development disorders.
What are the signs of Asperger’s autism?
The signs specific to the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome are no longer distinguished from those relating to the autism spectrum disorder today. “This disorder begins during the development period, generally in early childhood, but the symptoms may only appear later, when social requirements exceed limited capacities” explains the WHO. This disorder brings together a set of conditions characterized by:
- alterations in social interactions
- communication problems (language and non -verbal communication)
- Behavior disorders corresponding to a restricted, stereotypical and repetitive interests and activities
- unusual sensory reactions
- Sometimes learning and social integration difficulties.
>> Be careful, unlike a widespread idea, autism is not systematically associated with intellectual delay.
What does a light sprinkle autism mean?
We can sometimes hear that a spray is a “light” autism, but this term does not appear in the DSM5. In any case, it is difficult to speak of heavy autism or a light autism because the “severity” of the disorder and its repercussions on daily life is variable from one person to another.
What tests to make the diagnosis of Asperger’s autism?
“The diagnosis of autism is unsatisfactory in France, compared to the United States, Canada and Italy (countries in which almost 100 % of autistic people are in ordinary areas)“, explains Francine Stourdzé to us from the Action for Autism Asperger Association.
► In the event of concerns, head to the attending physician, the pediatrician or the crèche doctor. The latter will be able to answer your questions and head to a specialist – if he finds abnormal signs – which will make a diagnosis of TSA.
► The Coordination and Orientation Platform (PCO) can also help parents in the diagnosis of autism. It is a device responsible for implementing an early and diagnostic intervention course for children between 0 and 6 and 6 and 12 years old for whom the entourage and/or the doctor notes an unusual development gap.
The diagnosis may be confirmed or informed through different examinations (verbal and non -verbal Qi tests, speech therapy, psychomotor or child psychiatric …). Thanks to the diagnosis, “Parents will have an explanation of the atypical functioning of their child and will know that he is not due to poor education, nor to child trauma“, Underlines Francine Stourdzé. This will also explain the atypical behaviors of their child to siblings and those around them. Above all, detecting a sign likely to indicate an autistic disorder is a fundamental step for access to a socket charge and an adapted schooling project.
What support in case of Asperger’s autism?
As with any autism spectrum disorder, ignorance of these handicaps or the absence of diagnoses do not allow you to offer suitable support. Autistic people are therefore often, falsely, oriented in day or psychiatric hospitals. However, most of them are entirely able to be educated in ordinary areas or to be inserted in an ordinary professional environment. It is true that autistic children may experience more difficulties in school work, present an awkward graphics, organizational difficulties and not dare to say when they did not understand, but “With the help of a school assistant (AVS), ideally trained in the TSA, the child can have a completely normal schooling, be integrated and autonomous. She would help him to break down the task in steps, teach him to organize by visual means which are for him the most effective in order to record and integrate the information and give him the tools so that he can communicate with the rest of the class and show its misunderstanding“, Specifies the co-founder of actions for Autism Asperger, before adding that”The development of children is only possible in ordinary environments, provided they have suitable support and their families at the heart of care.“”
Cognitivo-behavioral educational management (such as the ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) method is necessary
But because of a big lack of AVS in France, many children (or other children with disabilities) cannot benefit from individualized aid in school. They will thus be oriented towards CLIS (classes for inclusion school, in primary) or to Ulis (units located for school inclusion, college or high school) which are integrated within an ordinary school establishment: In these classes, children benefit from an AVS, but it is collective in the group. Furthermore, cognitivo-behavioral educational management (such as the ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis) method) is necessary for in particular “Work on emotions such as sadness, anger or anxiety, on the way the person reacts, on social rules, on oral expression and on imitation learning or by role -playing games“. The ABA method, the most recommended currently in France, is not, however, scientifically validated. It is not recommended in England and increasingly disputed in the United States because of a risk of suffering at the Adulthood of a post-traumatic stress syndrome highlighted in a study published in January 2018. This method takes care of the child, whatever their age, generally 18 hours per week in an experimental structure “ABA certified” (The number of hours can be variable according to children), but this can also be educational care at the family’s home. And behavioral techniques to best support their child on a daily basis.
How to find help with MDPH?
Present in each department of France, the departmental houses of disabled people (MDPH) are places of reception, information, support and advice intended for people with disabilities and their families. This is also where families can submit requests relating to the services intended for them (disability compensation provision, education allowance for the disabled child, inclusion mobility card, etc.). They can be helped in their AVS request for their child or from CLIS. Contact the MDPH of your department on the National Solidarity Caisse for Autonomy. After the study of your file, the multidisciplinary team of the MDPH will be able to direct you to the Commission for the Rights and Autonomy of Persons with Disabilities (CDAPH) which will then be able to grant you a invalidity or priority card, but also you Orient towards the most suitable schools and medico-social services.
Thanks to Francine Stourdzé of the Action for Autism Asperger association.
