Autismes : sortir des confusions

Abstract

Confusion has undermined scientific debate about autism. Post-war faith in
the role of the environment was not exclusive to psychoanalysts. Since 1978
Michel Soulé took into account the psychic effects of autism on parents and
caretakers. False evidence of treatment based on etiology, and reversal of DSM
criteria for psychosis and autism have biased the debate. Psychoanalysts have
called into question their own paradigm and now work with geneticists and
other researchers. The challenge is to advance our understanding of the elements
favouring access to symbolization. A clinical illustration will exemplify.