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Advanced Treatment Strategies

Personal Transactional Analysis of Some Cases of Infantile Autism

Pages 100-104
Published online: 28 Dec 2017
 
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Reviews characteristics of Early Childhood Autism and of Childhood Schizophrenia. Proposes that affective marasmus, or frustration marasmus of the need for Attachment, is fundamentally important to the etiology and to the treatment of these conditions. Accordingly, physiological empathy is provided even before gratification or physical support, and to thus “transmit permission inputs to a subthreshold extra-verbal level to help cancel…existing injunctions of ‘non-existence.’ “ hree stages of treatment are discussed: (1) responding to the need for Attachment as permission and right to live; (2) increasing reconstructive messages to the child's Nurturing Parent, and reassessment of internal and external inputs; and (3) provision by the therapist of explanations in response to the child's logical inquiries. Criteria for termination of treatment, or shifting of focus with the child are given. Examples from clinical experience are provided.

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Author information

Maria Teresa Romanini

Maria Teresa Romanini, MD, PTM, is a psychiatrist in private practice in Rome, Italy, a neuropsychiatrist at Rome State University Neuropsychiatric Clinic for Children, and a teacher of “Psychology and Development Stages,” in the Postgraduate School for MD in “Hygiene and Preventive Medicine” at Catholic University of Rome. She is President of the Italian Society for Psychotherapy and Transactional Analysis (SIMPAT) and also Director of the Italian School for Specialization in Transactional Analysis for MD and PhD under the Patronage of the Department of Education of the Italian Government.