ABSTRACT
The differences between Kleinian and Lacanian theory are revealed in the analysts’ conceptual framework for differentiating between autism as neurological and psychogenic conditions. Marie Christine Laznik discusses one example of the many case studies of diagnosis of late-onset autism through the filmed recordings of family life with parents and their baby son “Maurizio”. The controversy over the hypothesis that autism might be considered as a regressive defence against pathogenic trauma shows the importance of accurate diagnosis. To hypothesise effective analytic treatment of childhood autism has led, in some instances, to painful disillusionment in parents. However, the clinical material that Rhode offers also demonstrates that autistic children vary greatly in their capacity to respond to analytic therapy. There are references to developmental models of ego, as well as consideration of the differences between autism compared to regressive symptomatology of schizophrenia and psychosis, and the diagnosis of inhibition of development or a deficit syndrome model of autism.
