A Neuro-Phenomenological Perspective on the Autism Phenotype.
Brain Sciences July 10, 2021 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11070914 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Meditation |
| Keywords | Autism Cognitive priors Health Sensoriality Spirituality |
| Key points | Proposes that hypersensitivity and reduced influence of cognitive priors in some individuals with ASD constitute a phenomenological a priori that may predispose them toward a non-religious spiritual experience of present-moment awareness. |
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.