Self-consciousness in autism

Abstract

The formation of rational consciousness and self-consciousness in normal and autistic spectrum disorders (ASD) is studied. First of all, there is a lack of theory of mind (other people’s minds) in ASD: a subject with ASD cannot stand up to another person’s point of view. They do not have a communicative speech, so there is no learning in childhood. According to numerous data, ASD is based on sensory disturbances in the form of hypersensitivity. This leads to inhibition in many sensory channels, as well as inhibition of a number of reflexes. There is no eye contact, which results in no shared attention. The child does not follow the mother's look and does not understand the index gesture. The index gesture is a universal gesture, which forms the subject’s potential horizon. This horizon makes it possible to escape from the point here-and-now. This leads to a change in the structure of the subject from egocentric to eccentric. The eccentric position (Plessner) means that the subject has an immediate Self and a reflexive Self. To form an eccentric position, the participation of Others is necessary. However, in the case of autism, there is no potentiality horizon and no eccentric position. The origin of reflexion is analyzed and it is indicated that the reflexive Self is formed by the interiorization of the Other’s view and speech. Therefore, the formation of the reflexive self is impossible without interaction with the Others. The conclusion is made that self-consciousness is formed earlier than reflexion, and the theory of mind is formed later. The formation of the theory of mind, as well as the eccentric position itself, can last for the whole life of the subject. The assumption is made that this happens in some subjects with ASD who have managed to overcome autism. The question of inhibitory dominance in an eccentric subjective position is also considered. The reflexive Self has an inhibitory effect on the immediate Self, thus achieving subtlety in self-control and detachment from internal impulses.