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A hypothesis about the determining process of autistic states
The International Journal of Psycho-Analysis
|January 1, 1990
Summary
Autistic children may form intense object relationships due to sensory stimuli, potentially stemming from an instinctual imprinting process. This hypothesis suggests their social imprinting is triggered by sensory aspects rather than whole individuals.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Psychology
- Ethology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Background:
- Autistic children often exhibit a lack of connection with other people.
- Intense focus on objects is observed, driven by sensory stimulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the nature of social bonding in autism.
- To propose a hypothesis for the atypical social interactions observed in autistic individuals.
Main Methods:
- Observational analysis of autistic children's behavior.
- Correlation with ethological studies on imprinting in animals.
Main Results:
- Autistic children form strong bonds with objects, linked to sensory input.
- Animal studies show imprinting can occur with objects or caregivers, sometimes replacing species-specific bonding.
Conclusions:
- Autism may involve an instinctual imprinting mechanism focused on sensory stimuli.
- This imprinting might be fulfilled by object-related sensory aspects instead of conspecifics.