Packing: When parents speak out

Abstract

Objective: In a very controversial context that led to a packing ban in 2016, the aim of this study was to give a voice to parents of autistic children who are not visible in the media and who have experienced packing for their child. Methods and results: Through the intermediary of a child psychiatrist, seven in-depth interviews were carried out in Seine-Saint-Denis, a suburb where the index of social disadvantage is very high and where there is a significant shortage of places and resources. Seven mothers of children with autism agreed to testify to report on the help provided by professionals and the beneficial effects of packing on the most problematic manifestations: self-injury, perceptual problems, anxiety, agitation, and shouting. Conclusion: These testimonies reveal a clear discrepancy between the satisfaction of the parents who spoke out and the anti-packing movement of parents’ associations that influence public policy. They reflect a complex situation that requires the cooperation of different professionals to best answer the questions posed by certain symptoms and manifestations of extreme distress.