ABSTRACT
Two types of containing object can be distinguished at the beginning of psychic life: the “optimal object” and the “momentary object”. The momentary object is a sensual object. It must give way, as a containing object, to the optimal object whose prototype emerges from the rhythmic experience of feeding on a satisfying and secure sensory and emotional context. The momentary object is of the same order and fulfils the same functions as the autistic object. Understanding the autistic world and autistic manoeuvres supports the visualization of the auto-sensuality characteristic of the use of a momentary containing object. The momentary object protects against primitive anxieties. In this context, the beginnings of primitive thoughts emerge.
