Autism as a Mode of Being

Autism is often described as a developmental disorder, implying there is a standard way to develop. However, Freud’s psychoanalysis offers a unique perspective on development by denaturalizing the human subject, suggesting there is no singular “healthy” or “well-developed” state, as even the most “adjusted” individuals are considered neurotic by Freudian standards. This perspective depathologizes human experiences, placing autism on the same level as neurosis and psychosis as compensatory reactions to the fundamental divide between the human subject and nature.

In this lecture, I will present autism not merely as a disorder but as an attitude towards the denaturalization of the human subject. Particularly, I will argue that autism can be seen as a mode of treatment for the human condition. By focusing on the unique ways language is used to bridge individuals to their environment, we will explore how autism represents a distinctive attempt at curing this fundamental divide. This approach highlights the importance of understanding autism through the lens of psychoanalysis, offering new insights into its role in human development and interaction with the world.