ARW – Project France 
PDF 13 February 2012 will go down as an important day in the evolution of the treatment of people with autism in France. The newspaper Liberation published a version of an unreleased report by the National Authority for Health (HAS) which the HAS was quick to refute, under pressure from the psychoanalytical lobby (APM News and AFP).
Episode 1 – Libération publishes a report on “recommendations for good practice” by the National Authority for Health.
In the evening of 12 February 2012, Libération published an article on its website entitled “Autism: the psychologists silenced” due to appear the next day. Sure enough the article made the headlines in the print edition.
Libération explained: “In a report not yet published, obtained by ‘Liberation’, the National Authority for Health rejects psychoanalytical practices. A first. [...] To find the detail we have to go to page 27 of the report by the National Authority for Health (HAS) on the recommendations for good practice in dealing with autism, to be made public on March 8, a copy of which has been obtained by Libération. The wording has been carefully chosen: under the title “Non-recommended or non-consensual global interventions”, the HAS experts write: “The absence of data on their effectiveness and the diversity of opinions expressed does not allow us to conclude on the pertinence of interventions based on psychoanalytical approaches, nor on institutional psychotherapy.”
Concerning packing, Liberation understands that “having taken legal advice, the National Authority for Health wishes to affirm its formal opposition to the use of this practice.”
For information, it should be pointed out that associations expected this report several months ago, and that during this time it has been the subject of intense lobbying by psychoanalysts and associations. For example, Danièle Langloys, president of Autism France publicly denounced the report’s delay during the association’s congress at the beginning of December 2011.
Episode 2 – the information is picked up in France Info’s press review
Jean-Christophe Martin’s Press Hyper-review at 07h20 on France Info repeats Libération’s headline (time code 08:33).
“In a simple phrase, the experts in France’s highest health authority make a decision with far-reaching consequences; they close the door on psychoanalysis as a therapy for autism. Eric Favereau in Libération calls it a clinical bombshell.” (Time code 08:33)
Episode 3 – Internet picks up the information
The press in its entirety picks up on the story, including RFI, L’Express, 20 minutes, France Soir, and Le Point.
For RFI, (Radio France International) “autism needs more support”. RFI goes on to say that “the new orientation in dealing with autism favors educational and behavioral methods over psychoanalytical support” RFI interviewed Delphine Piloquet, General Secretary of Autistes Sans Frontières and Marie Cathelineau, from the collective “39 contre la nuit sécuritaire”.
L’Express article entitled “Autism: psychoanalysis disowned by the National Authority for Health” contains an interview with Danièle Langloys, President of Autism France. The magazine points out that this victory comes after a long struggle, but that the conclusions are only recommendations for good practice and cannot be legally enforced: In prudent terms, it clearly disowns this type of intervention, still used on children with autism in France, although it does not appear in any international recommendations. The HAS’ conclusions do not constitute a ban on psychoanalysis, as “the recommendations for best practice” are not legally binding. They do, however, constitute a reference in the appropriate exercise of medicine and magistrates take this into account when cases come before the courts. Interviewed by L’Express, Danièle Langloys, the president of Autism France, the main federation of associations of parents of autistic children, welcomes the “objectivity” of the HAS. “The rejection of psychoanalysis is a victory gained after a long struggle”, she added. ”
20 minutes reports that “a report to be published casts doubt on the effectiveness of psychoanalytical and psychotherapeutic approaches in dealing with autism.” France Soir is even more direct: ”Autism: Stop psychoanalysis as a treatment.”
For its part, Le Point asks: “Autism: the end of the reign of psychoanalysis” and gives the analysis: Even today, there are no certainties in the treatment of autism. But the behaviorists could soon have the upper hand. [...] If this was confirmed, this report (from the HAS) would indeed sound the death knell for psychoanalysis as a treatment for autism. A revolution is under way. ”
Episode 4 – 11:24 – under pressure from psychoanalysts, the HAS issues a denial
At 11:24, APM New International, the medical press agency, publishes an interview with the HAS entitled: “Autism: the HAS denies asking for psychoanalytical methods and packing to be banned.”
Here’s what the APM press release has to say: “On Monday, Dominique Maigne, General Director of the National Authority for Health (HAS), denied that the recommendations being prepared on best practice in dealing with autism and pervasive development disorders (PDD) in children and adolescents forbid the use psychoanalytical methods and packing. ”
In late afternoon, AFP issues a communiqué confirming the HAS position and the opposition of Collectif 39. In particular, the AFP wrote:
“Psychiatrists are up in arms against an attack on psychoanalysis, underlining the “crusade” being led by an elected representative acting for a powerful lobby of several associations” to distance it from the treatment of autism.
The collective “39 contre la Nuit sécuritaire” is also up in arms against the offensive led by the UMP representative Daniel Fasquelle, accusing him of continuing his crusade to “put a definitive end to the psychoanalytical approach to autism.”
[...]
When asked by the AFP, the HAS confirmed that the newspaper had been referring to a “draft version.” “The report has not yet been finalized” add the Anesm and the HAS in a communiqué.
The report should also give its verdict on another controversial practice, packing (wrapping in a cold, damp sheet) that certain want banned, such as the association Vaincre l’autisme (Beat Autism) and to which the HAS is formally opposed, according to Libération. ”
Stay tuned!
Translation of this page from French thanks to Karen Wishin
