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Notes about terminology: In general, autistic adults often prefer to be described as “autistic” and do not like descriptive phrases like “a person (child or adult) on the autism spectrum” or “a person with autism” or “on the spectrum.” Autistic adults prefer to be described as autistic, because their autism is seen as a core part of their identity, and they are not ashamed of the label. Parents of children with autism often prefer that their children be described as a child/teen with autism. This type of debate will continue. I will use these terms as diplomatically as possible and apologize in advance for any perceived micro-aggressions.
Dr. Benvenuto's commentary makes far-reaching assertions about autism and autistic people. I would like to respond to a few of his claims and offer an alternative perspective.
It has been articulated elsewhere that early psychoanalytic thinking and practice has not been helpful to members of the autism community. Epstein (2000, p. 746) asserted that the “historical efforts to explain and cure autism were NOT the psychoanalytic tradition's finest hour.” Emanuel (2015) expressed concern that contemporary psychoanalytic literature has not widely embraced autism as a psychological condition to be conceptualized or treated (p. 53). Merritt (2012) also worried about the lack of analytic thinking in the “psychological work on autism” (p. 327). Hobson (2011) suggested that there is a problematic gap between clinicians working with autistics and psychoanalytic therapists with an interest in helping those on the spectrum. Hobson (2011, p. 229) explained that this rift is the result of “cross-generational transmission of prejudice on both sides … [and] a lack of mutual interest and sensitivity, [and] a lack of intellectual tolerance and generosity that militates against fruitful exchange among seemingly irreconcilable antagonists.” Despite ongoing efforts from several analytically oriented therapists to mend ruptures an