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Beyond Modularisation: The Need of a Socio-Neuro-Constructionist Model of Autism

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Abstract

Autism is a developmental disorder defined by social and communication impairments. Current theoretical approaches and research studies however conceptualise autism as both static and independent from the social context in which it develops. Two lines of research stand out from this general trend. First, research from the neuroconstructivist approach of Karmiloff-Smith (Hum Brain Mapp 31:934–941, 2010) aims to establish developmental trajectories of cognitive impairments in autism over time. Second, studies from intersubjective approaches such as that of Hobson (The cradle of thought, Macmillan, London, 2002) focus on the influence of emotional engagement in cognitive impairments. Although these two lines of research have made an invaluable contribution towards our understanding of autism, both offer only partial explanations: Intersubjective approaches fail to provide a developmental perspective and the neuroconstructivist model neglects the role of the social context. This paper argues that the nature of autism demands the theoretical and methodological integration of these two approaches so that developmental and social aspects are investigated in tandem.

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Abbreviations

ToM:

Theory of mind

EF:

Executive function

WCC:

Weak central coherence

RRBs:

Repetitive and restricted behaviours

RSMBs:

Repetitive sensory motor behaviours

IS:

Insistence of sameness

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Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Vasu Reddy and Alan Costall, and two anonymous reviewers for their invaluable comments on earlier drafts of this manuscript.

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  1. Department of Psychology, University of Portsmouth, King Henry I Building, King Henry I Street, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 2DY, UK

    Beatriz López

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  1. Beatriz López
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López, B. Beyond Modularisation: The Need of a Socio-Neuro-Constructionist Model of Autism. J Autism Dev Disord 45, 31–41 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-013-1966-9

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