Infantile autism from the point of view of developmental psychopathology. Theory of the psychological basis of autism

Overview

The article presents an overview of the main contemporary theories of the fundamental psychological deficit in infantile autism (the theory of mind, central coherence, impairment of executive functions, nonverbal learning disability) in the context of developmental psychopathology. Emotional / motivational theories and attempts at the integration of both approaches are discussed. As an example of integrative theory is outlined the theory of intersubjectivity as a complex of emotional, motivational and cognitive dispositions needed for a normal social development. The consequences of an early impairment of intersubjectivity typical for young children with autism and their implications for the planning of therapeutic interventions and educational approaches, are described.

Key words:
infantile autism – developmental psychopathology – psychological base of autism – cognitive, motivational and integrative theories – intervention.