Une symptomatologie autistique ? À la croisée de trois lectures diagnostiques

Abstract

We herein present the case of a child treated in our outpatient clinic, by a resident physician in child psychiatry. His symptoms of autism were seemingly evident at first glance. However, his medical history, psychosocial background and neurodevelopment led us to question this diagnosis with nuance and caution. In this situation, we observed the intertwining of neurological, developmental and psychological factors, all of which seem to have played a role in the evolution of symptoms presented by the patient. We felt it was essential to allow space for each of these three potential diagnostic readings. Our investment in this situation was particularly marked by the obstacles we encountered in setting up appropriate treatment. These difficulties arose as a result of network overload, administrative difficulties encountered by the parents, cultural and language barriers, as well as familial limitations and resistance to assistance. Despite this, the psychological mobilisation of the parents seemed to play an important role in this child's evolution. Finally, this case led us to consider the importance of prevention, particularly in perinatal care. Identification by a team of child psychiatrists in the immediate postpartum period would probably have prevented, at least in part, this child's deterioration and limited the family's suffering.