The government is launching its 2023-2027 plan for neurodevelopmental disorders. It aims to better identify the signs of these disorders and to better support the people concerned.
- The government presented its new plan for neurodevelopmental disorders for 2023-2027.
- 680 million euros will be dedicated to screening and supporting those affected.
- New dedicated classes should see the light of day as well as suitable accommodation.
One in six French people suffer from behavioral or attention disorders, autism or even dyslexia. Tuesday, November 14, Emmanuel Macron presented the government’s new plan concerning neurodevelopmental disorders for 2023-2027.
Neurodevelopmental disorders: twice as much money for identification and treatment
In total, 680 million euros will be released over the period. The previous plan, 2018-2022, provided almost half as much funding and focused solely on autism. This time, the strategy will concern all neurodevelopmental disorders: autism spectrum disorders, intellectual development disorders, attention deficit with or without hyperactivity, dyslexia, dyscalculia, etc. “An upward trend is observed in all developed countries with, in particular, an increase in the prevalence of autism and ADHD over a twenty years”warns the government in a communicated.
ADHD, autism, dyslexia: improve and accelerate screening
One of the axes of this new plan concerns screening. The government wishes “identify, intervene and diagnose children who present a developmental gap as early as possible. A public service for early identification and support from 0 to 6 years old will be set up: it will rely on coordination and orientation platforms (PCO) which bring together different health professionals including occupational therapists, psychologists, psychomotor therapists, etc. It also involves the integration of a symptom identification booklet integrated into the health record. “The key questions from the booklet will be integrated into health assessments in nursery schools.adds the Ministry of Health.
Schooling: adaptation to the needs of people with neurodevelopmental disorders
Currently, 410 classes are dedicated to young people with neurodevelopmental disorders. The government announces that 380 adapted classes will be added. “The children are welcomed within the Republic school, but in adapted classes, specifies Fadila Khattabi, Minister Delegate in charge of disabled people, at the microphone of France Blue. What is important is that the child or adolescent attends school among his or her other classmates.“Training will also be offered to professionals in nurseries and schools. For adults, 50 new living spaces should be created.”The inclusive housing offer will be developed taking into account the specificities of autistic people and paying closer attention to housing construction.indicates the Ministry.
A new plan criticized by SOS Autisme
On France InfoOlivia Cattan, president of the SOS Autisme France association, described this plan as “masquerade”. “We say to ourselves that all this money invested in this cause is wonderful, except that parents and associations do not see the results on the ground.“, she notes. According to her, the priority is to train more health professionals in the care of autistic children and to facilitate their schooling. “We are not in a situation of inclusion for the moment in Franceshe believes. Today, we have less than 1% of autistic people hired (…). Where are the learning pathways that we have been promised since Emmanuel Macron’s first five-year term?“
