Psychodynamic Theory and the Treatment of Autism: The Case of Austin

Abstract

Autism spectrum disorders include difficulties with social interaction, repetitive behavior, sensory sensitivity, and, often, concomitant language deficits. Psychodynamic theory is a powerful tool in explaining and treating the behavioral symptoms of autism. Specifically, the object relations theories of Melanie Klein and Wilfred Bion explicate the meanings and developmental challenges associated with autism. The epistemology of heuristics, with the use of triangulation, supports psychodynamic theory as one of multiple ways of interpreting phenomena. In this particular situation, the symptoms and presenting issues associated with autism evident in this composite clinical case are drawn from one of the author’s practice. This report illustrates the use of psychodynamic formulations and treatment in the psychotherapeutic work with a 12-year-old boy diagnosed with autism whom we call Austin.

Keywords:

• Autism
• object relations
• psychodynamic

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Bryan Duckham

Bryan Duckham, PhD, LCSW is an associate professor and MSW program director at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Department of Social Work. In addition, he maintains a private practice and has close to 30 years of experience working in a number of outpatient and inpatient mental health and substance abuse settings.

Celeste M. G. Yann

Celeste M. G. Yann, MSW earned her MSW from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She has extensive experience doing international and domestic social work. She was in the Peace Corps and has worked in elder-abuse and crisis counseling. In addition, she has been oriented to psychodynamic theory and practice and provides clinical supervision to undergraduate students at SIUE.