Peculiarities of attachment behavior in children with autism. Interaction problems as a signaling disorder between people

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction
• 2. Autism
  • 2.1. The pioneers of autism research
    • 2.1.1. Hans Asperger
    • 2.1.2. Leo Kanner
  • 2.2. Autism today - the symptomatology
  • 2.3. Perceptual peculiarities
    • 2.3.1. Seeing
    • 2.3.2. Listening
• 3. First binding
  • 3.1. The bonding theory according to John Bowlby
  • 3.2. The \"Foreign Situation\" according to Ainsworth and Wittig
    • 3.2.1. The 4 binding types
    • 3.2.2. Cause and purpose of the development of a binding system
    • 3.2.3. Attachment behaviour in disabled children
      • 3.2.3.1. Resilience and vulnerability in children at risk
    • 3.2.4. Mother-child bonding in interaction with a disabled child
  • 3.3. Initial conclusions
• 4. Autistics and attachment - explained at the \"DMM\" according to Crittenden
  • 4.1. Definition of the DMM
  • 4.2. Autistic children and \"signal disturbances\" of negative base effects
  • 4.3. Resulting interaction in mother and child
• 5. Conclusion

Objectives and Key Themes

This Bachelor's thesis aims to educate on autism, including the development of autism research and the symptoms. It specifically examines the assumption that people with autistic disabilities lack social interest and emotional development. To delve into this aspect, the thesis focuses on early childhood, the period in which individuals form their first bonds.

• Exploring the historical development of autism research and the understanding of autistic behavior
• Analyzing the diverse symptoms and challenges experienced by individuals with autism
• Investigating the concept of attachment theory and its application to children with autistic disabilities
• Examining the “Dynamic Maturation Model of Attachment and Adaptation” by Dr. Patricia Crittenden and its implications for understanding attachment behaviors in autistic individuals
• Addressing the misconception that individuals with autism lack social interest and emotional capacity

Chapter Summaries

• Chapter 1: Introduction This chapter begins by introducing the concept of autism and its often misunderstood portrayal in society. It highlights the prevalence of autism and the common misconceptions surrounding its symptoms. The chapter sets the stage for the thesis by outlining its main objectives and the key themes it will explore.
• Chapter 2: Autism This chapter delves into the history of autism research, tracing its origins and development. It introduces the contributions of key pioneers like Hans Asperger and Leo Kanner and discusses the evolution of understanding autistic behavior. The chapter provides a detailed overview of the symptomatology of autism and explores the specific perceptual peculiarities associated with the condition. It focuses on how individuals with autism experience and process visual and auditory information.
• Chapter 3: First Binding This chapter examines the fundamental concept of attachment theory as developed by John Bowlby. It explores the different attachment styles and how they develop in early childhood. The chapter then delves into the complexities of attachment in the context of disabled children, particularly those with autism. It examines factors that contribute to resilience and vulnerability in children at risk and investigates the dynamics of mother-child bonding when the child has a disability.
• Chapter 4: Autistics and Attachment - Explained at the “DMM” according to Crittenden This chapter introduces the “Dynamic Maturation Model of Attachment and Adaptation” (DMM) by Dr. Patricia Crittenden. The chapter explains the model and its application to understanding attachment behaviors in autistic individuals. It examines how autistic children may experience “signal disturbances” and how these disturbances influence their interactions with others, particularly their caregivers. The chapter explores the resulting interaction patterns between mothers and autistic children.

Keywords

The main focus of this work revolves around the understanding and complexities of autism. Key themes include autism spectrum disorders, attachment theory, early childhood development, interaction problems, social communication, and the “Dynamic Maturation Model of Attachment and Adaptation” (DMM) by Dr. Patricia Crittenden. The work delves into the impact of autism on social interaction, emotional development, and the formation of early bonds, particularly exploring how autistic individuals may perceive and interpret social cues.