Contact and the Phenomena of Autism

Children with autism demonstrate significant and lifelong difficulties understanding and communicating emotional content. Their ability to establish mutually satisfying relationships is often severely impaired. Although numerous methods have been developed to address the social–communicative aspects of this neurological impairment, few methods have been developed that assist the child with autism in making contact with his/her world and thus establish a foundation through which relationships can be developed. Gestalt therapy provides a rich context in which the child can explore and develop his/her emotional base. This paper examines the application of Gestalt therapy to the treatment of children with autism.