ADHD is one of the most common difficulty diagnosed in children. ADHD or Attention- Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is a behavioral syndrome caused by abnormalities in the development of the brain. The most observed characteristics of people with ADHD are being hyperactive, having difficulty in focusing and short attention span.
Although it is generally considered as a behavioral disorder, the idea of ADHD still varies in different cultures. In America, 9% of school-aged children are diagnosed with ADHD. On the other hand, 0.5% of the school-aged children in France are diagnosed with ADHD. Aside from the large difference in numbers, the two countries also have different perspectives in the idea of ADHD.
Approach
Americans view ADHD as a biological condition that can be treated through medication. Though ADHD is not curable, they believe that taking medications can lessen its symptoms. People in France on the other hand perceives ADHD as a psycho-social condition. “Instead of treating children’s focusing and behavioral problems with drugs, French doctors prefer to look for the underlying issue that is causing the child distress—not in the child’s brain but in the child’s social context”. (Wedge 2018) While Americans view ADHD as a biological dysfunction and/or chemical imbalance in the brain’s development, French believes that it is more of a behavioral condition caused by psychological factors.
Parenting
As the two cultures have a completely different views regarding ADHD, their parenting style and way of treatment is also different. Because Americans believe that the condition is biological, they are mostly dependent on stimulants. Unlike the French, they do not necessarily consider aspects such as lifestyle, diet and parenting as contributing factor.
Parents and Doctors in France are very strict in following a certain lifestyle in handling ADHD in children. Most Americans may not consider it but for the French, diet is one factor. They prefer a healthy diet for their children and refrain them from eating sweets and processed food. “Clinicians who work with troubled children in this country—not to mention parents of many ADHD kids—are well aware that dietary interventions can sometimes help a child’s problem.” (Wedge 2018) They believe eating food with preservatives and artificial additives can worsen the children’s condition.
The parenting style of both cultures is also different. Parents in France are tighter in raising their kids than the Americans. According to Marilyn Wedge in Why French Kids Don’t Have ADHD, French parents provide ‘cadre’ in raising their children. The word ‘cadre’ means a structure or frame. These are disciplinary frameworks they set in raising their children. For example, children in France are taught to follow a certain time frame in their day-to-day activity strictly. They can’t do anything they wish to if it’s not yet time for that certain activity. Small things such as grabbing snacks from the fridge, playing or watching TV when they want to are strictly prohibited – everything is in time. “Consistently enforced limits, in the French view, make children feel safe and secure.” (Wedge 2018) French parents also believe that spanking the children as disciplinary action is not a form of child abuse. “The children grow up in families in which the rules are well-understood, and a clear family hierarchy is firmly in place.” (Wedge 2018)
Parents in America on the other hand are more liberated in raising their kids. They don’t necessarily provide a ‘cadre’ as the French. They have their own disciplinary measures and strategies in raising their kids. Of course, they still implement rules for the children, but they are not as strict as the French – and they are not in full control. Children in America are more open to speak out and say ‘no’ to their parents. They do some things in their own – grabbing snack or playing outdoors – without asking permission to their parents.
In comparison, we can say that French children are more behaved than the Americans. We can’t decide though whether which approach is correct about ADHD because giving medication also works for other culture. We may not be sure whether it’s the main reason why they have the least case of ADHD, but it’s safe to say that the French’s parenting style influences their numbers. And this is something that other culture should learn and adapt from them. While ADHD is a condition that cannot be cured, our approach towards it can lessen the symptoms and makes it more manageable.
References
Jackson, Eva. n.d. Children In France don’t Have ADHD-Here’s Why. Accessed November 27, 2018. https://thepowerofsilence.co/children-in-france-dont-have-adhd-heres-why/.
Wedge, Marilyn. 2018. Why French Kids Don’t Have ADHD. March 8. Accessed 11 26, 2018. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/suffer-the-children/201203/why-french-kids-dont-have-adhd.