Mentoring Autism Spectrum Disorders: Phenomenological and Medical Models

Abstract

This project is an examination into Autism Spectrum Disorder through the lens of Phenomenology and considers the Medical Model that is pervasive in contemporary Psychology. The work of Thomas Fuchs examines Schizophrenia and Melancholic Depression such that these psychopathologies are describable in their temporal and bodily functioning, or disjointing. Fuchs' work is utilized here as the model through which this project examines Autism Spectrum Disorder. Maurice Merleau-Ponty's work, Phenomenology of Perception, is also considered and informs this usage of Phenomenology. Through first-hand experience in working with those on the spectrum, lived temporal and bodily experiences are examined as a window into the personal experience of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This inquiry emulates the benefits Psychology stands to gain through similar application of Phenomenology.