The therapeutic role of signifier opposition and fort-da in the treatment of a child diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD): a case report

From a Lacanian perspective, interventions in cases of autism should aim to introduce a symbolic absence that mobilizes the circuit of desire. The case of a 2-year-old boy (Q) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder attending to Lacanian treatment is presented. The fort-da paradigm (using a pair of signifiers to represent the presence-absence) was introduced de la asignatura Clinica Psicoanalitica en la Universidad de Granada. Miembro fundador de la Sociedad Andaluza de Neuropsicologia y de la Sociedad Nacional de Investigacion en Fin de Vida y miembro de la Comision de Acreditacion en Psico-oncologia y Cuidados Paliativos del Consejo General de Psicologia de Espana.to address problems with attachment, communicative intention, and symbolic game. After treatment Q learned how to use his own language and symbolic game to regulate and express anxiety and other emotions in the absence of his mother.