Emma and Sophia Should Receive Advantages at School Despite Excellent Grades. Their Own Parents Want to Prevent This. A Family Conflict

A family conflict is unfolding in Switzerland over the provision of "disadvantage compensation" for two high-achieving teenage sisters, Emma and Sophia. Despite excellent grades and approaching their Matura exams, the sisters have been diagnosed with Asperger's autism and ADS (a quiet form of ADHD). Their parents, who describe themselves as part of the " Bildungsbürgertum" (educated bourgeoisie), are resisting the educational support, while the daughters themselves wish to receive it.

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We are almost put under pressure to allow the disadvantage compensation. One of the therapists sent us and our daughter all the relevant documents from the education directorate. We sometimes feel like bad parents because we haven't given in yet.

The parents feel pressured by therapists and educational authorities to accept the compensation, which can include measures like extra time for exams or visual communication aids. They express feeling like "bad parents" for not yielding to the pressure. However, they argue that their daughters, who are minors, do not need such accommodations given their strong academic performance and that the support was not designed for students who are already excelling.

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We want to be able to decide for ourselves because it affects us.

Emma and Sophia, however, see things differently. They want the autonomy to decide for themselves, questioning why anyone would voluntarily forgo advantages. Their perspective highlights a growing debate about the application of disadvantage compensation in schools. While intended to support students facing genuine hurdles, its use for high-achievers like Emma and Sophia raises questions about fairness and the potential for creating a society that rewards less effort, even among those who are already academically successful.

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Who voluntarily gives up advantages?