Letters: Most French teachers did not know about ADHD

A Connexion reader recently appealed to hear other families’ experiences of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), after struggling with France’s ‘old-fashioned’ approach to neurodivergent children.

To the Editor,

Our foster son was diagnosed with ADHD at the age of seven in the Netherlands.

He moved to France when he was 13 and went to collège. 

They did not know what ADHD was – only one teacher had heard of it and was willing to cooperate somewhat. This meant that if he was too busy he could go outside for a run.

Furthermore it was not taken into account that he could not concentrate. This was considered a major problem, but he received no special treatment.

We could request a supervisor, but then he had to be diagnosed again in France. That was done, but in the end it turned out that a supervisor was not possible because they were really only for disabled children. 

I have to say that the teachers were willing to help, but they just did not understand it and had no idea how to deal with him.

After a year of training as a chef, our son decided to return to the Netherlands – not that it is easier to learn and work there, but at least they take his ADHD into account and he gets the opportunity to be himself and grow.

Marian van Zadelhoff, by email

Read more: ‘I set up an invisible disabilities media company after my diagnosis’

To the Editor,

I have a special needs adult son and at his school in London there were a lot of French parents, who said exactly the same thing. 

Apparently the schools in France are unwilling to adapt to the needs of the child and instead the child is expected to fit into the curriculum.

I have also heard of restraint being used against those with autism and sensory needs in France, whereas if these needs were better understood, restraint would not be required. 

I hope things change.

Read more: How long should it take to learn French for everyday use?

Naomi Collett, by email

To the Editor,

I have been to psychologists, psychiatrists and neurologists in France with diagnostic reports and prescriptions from US teaching hospitals and research centres, but they not only dismiss these but have no approval for established treatments such as Vyvanse, and you are not allowed to bring back your prescription when you come to France. 

If you rely on such medication, I suggest you do not live here unless you are prepared to go through withdrawal and deal with brain fog and ADHD.

Danielle, by email

Do you have experience of ADHD in France? Are neurodivergent people accepted here? Let us know via letters@connexionfrance.com