Autism and social movements in France : exploring cross-cultural differences

At the international level, the study of the historical dynamics of the mobilization of the autistic persons' organizations shows that they refuse the representation of autism as a disease. Generally, the activist movements define autism as another mode of functioning, and stress the positive and creative features associated with neurodiversity. The study of the French case puts other views in evidence. Thus, the aim of the French-speaking association, Satedi, is to shed light on the autistic functioning, to help autistic persons and their families, and to influence the orientation of the research on autism and political decisions. The French system is characterized by a partnership between the State and the associations of parents, and its historical and cultural context, in particular the opposition to communitarianism. These factors do not appear to favour the development of radical demands in the field of disability