Self, other and dialogical space in autistic disorders

Abstract

The authors propose to re‐evaluate Tustin's thesis using both the extensive clinical material of a child with an autistic disorder [PDD], and current research on infant development. Beebe's concept of ‘interaction structure’ that could be inferred from the fi fth month of life using face‐to‐face research data is used for postulating a dialogic space that would be generated inside such structure, allowing for defi nition of self and other in a relationship. If such space is collapsed, the other would be a threat of annihilation for the self, thus it should be avoided or merged with, which could explain the systematic avoidance of the not‐me in autistic states. The authors stress that these ideas are just one alternate model, among several, that seems to be able to explain the patient's deviant development.