Autistic States in Children

Frances Tustin (1913-1994) was a pioneering child psychotherapist in Britain who challenged the belief that autism is biological and genetic. Her book "Autistic States in Children" is widely regarded as a vital work for understanding the causes of autism in young children. Tustin argued that autistic states were self-protective and that autistic children used physical objects in sensation-dominated ways that interfered with mental development. She also drew a distinction between two autistic groups: an 'encapsulated group' and an 'entangled group.' This Routledge Classics edition includes a new Foreword by Maria Rhode.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 284 pages
Publication date: 29 March 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Frances Tustin, a pioneering child psychotherapist in Britain, made significant contributions to the field of autism therapy. Her work, although internationally renowned for its innovative approach to treating autistic children, has sparked controversy due to her psychogenic perspective on childhood autism, which challenges the prevailing belief that it is solely biological and genetic. Tustin's seminal work, Autistic States in Children, is widely regarded as a crucial contribution to understanding the causes of autism in young children. Through vivid descriptions of her clinical encounters with autistic children, Tustin argued that autistic states were primarily self-protective mechanisms. In her observational studies, she observed a distinct pattern in the interaction of autistic children with physical objects, such as keys, toy cars, or other play items. These interactions exhibited a rigid and ritualistic quality, markedly different from the imaginative and spontaneous fantasy play observed in other children. Tustin contended that autistic children did not use these objects for their intended purposes but rather in sensory-driven ways that impeded their mental development. She also made a fundamental distinction between two groups of autistic children: an "encapsulated group," characterized by withdrawal and non-verbal behavior, and an "entangled group," which displayed hyperactivity and chaos but had some language abilities. Tustin's work had a profound impact on psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, and countless individuals who have contact with autistic children, particularly families. It remains an essential reading for anyone seeking a creative and compelling understanding of autism. This Routledge Classics edition includes a new Foreword by Maria Rhode, further enhancing the significance of Tustin's work in the field.

Weight: 472g
Dimension: 155 x 233 x 24 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367540869
Edition number: 3 New edition