A Neuro-Phenomenological Perspective on the Autism Phenotype.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is often viewed through relational difficulties, but this paper draws on Husserlian phenomenology to propose an alternative perspective. Recent etiological accounts suggest that some individuals with ASD have a natural predisposition toward hypersensitivity and reduced influence of cognitive priors (event schemas). The authors argue these two characteristics constitute a phenomenological a priori that may predispose people with ASD toward a spiritual experience—not in a religious sense, but as an attribute of consciousness involving present-moment awareness and attention. Potential clinical implications of this view are discussed.

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Abstract

In the current paper, we present a view of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) which avoids the typical relational issues, instead drawing on philosophy, in particular Husserlian phenomenology. We begin by following the recent etiological perspectives that suggest a natural predisposition of a part of individuals with ASD towards hypersensitivity and the reduced influence of cognitive priors (i.e., event schemas). Following this perspective, these two characteristics should be considered as a sort of phenomenological a priori that, importantly, could predispose people with ASD towards a spiritual experience, not intended in its religious meaning, but as an attribute of consciousness that consists of being aware of and attentive to what is occurring in the present moment. Potential clinical implications are discussed.