ABSTRACT
The particular contribution to understanding psychogenic autistic children has been to realize the tactile, sensation-dominated nature of their world, and to highlight the way in which what have called 'autistic objects' and 'autistic shapes' have impeded such children's cognitive and emotional functioning, as also their sense of identity and relationships with people. Usually, in developing new understandings, unbeknown to ourselves, which are 'in the air' and waiting to be developed further; to continue with Medawar's image, 'the broth' is waiting to be stirred by experienced cooks. Mrs Spensley's report of this patient has made to realize the value of the understandings derived from clinical work with psychogenic autism, in making diagnoses more precise, so that fewer patients waste their time in inappropriate placements and in receiving inappropriate treatments. When the autism is lifted, clinging, helpless child is revealed who may become psychotic unless we realize his need for safety and protection, and can provide it for him by our understanding.
