Since 1977, a “Grande Cause nationale” (“National Cause”) has been awarded each year, through a public call for applications, to a non-profit organisation or a group of associations. While 2024 was dedicated to promoting physical activity and sport, 2025 will focus on mental health. A subject that particularly affects DYS children and those around them.

Mental health at the heart of 2025’s concerns

On 11 October 2024, Michel Barnier, then Prime Minister of France, named mental health as the next National Cause, since this issue affects almost 1 in 5 French people. Thanks to this label, public campaigns can be organised and targeted messages broadcast on television and radio throughout 2025.

That same day, the Minister for Health and Access to Care, Geneviève Darrieussecq, presented the 4 priority objectives:

  • Reducing stigma, aimed at changing how French people view psychological and mental disorders;
  • Developing prevention and early screening, through better awareness and training across all areas of society;
  • Improving access to care across the country (tiered care pathways, development of new professions)
  • Supporting those affected, in every aspect of daily life (training, employment, housing, leisure, etc.).

Mental health at the heart of concerns around DYS disorders

While the symptoms of learning disorders (dyslexia, dyscalculia, dysphasia, dyspraxia and dysorthographia) appear in childhood, they persist into adulthood and throughout life. The earlier the diagnosis is made, the better the child learns to compensate for their difficulties and live well with them.

Whatever the nature of the symptom, at least one cognitive function is affected: this may be language, motor coordination, attention, memory, visuo-spatial functions, sensory processing, or executive functions.

Note that beyond the possible combination of several DYS disorders, a child may also experience the effects of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or of autism.

In all cases, these disorders have an impact on how the child interacts with others, on their independence and on their level of fatigue — which inevitably leads to a lack of self-esteem.

Often stigmatised, DYS children are mocked because of their disability, and are looked down on and subjected to discrimination during their studies, employment or leisure activities.

Professional support for DYS children

The involvement of healthcare professionals in supporting DYS children can have a positive effect on their mental health: speech and language therapists work on the symptoms of the DYS disorder, while psychologists work on its consequences (lack of self-esteem).

Note that while specialists often work with children, some can also see adults. Do not hesitate to contact the professionals on the Ora-Visio platform and, if needed, book an appointment, to take effective action for your mental health or that of your child.