Insider perspective 1, Bernhard J. Schmidt
1.) What are the diagnostic criteria for autism in your country?
In addition to the
criteria of DSM and ICD, a differential diagnosis is sought.
These
are intended to rule out other causes of autistic behavior (as
opposed to autism).
To be used
in children ADI-R, ADOS …
in
adolescents and adults various questionnaires
2.) What is the most common autism
theory with you?
As in the United
States, parents are considered the experts in Germany as well, and
they determine the perception of autism through “autism
deutschland” as a parent organization.
This follows the
American dogmas
– Autism is genetic
– is not treatable /
curable
– Parents are the only real experts
Development dynamic
approaches are rejected.
3.) Are there alternative autism
theories in your country? Which?
Yes, a
development-dynamic and socio-psychological theory by Bernhard J.
Schmidt.
This does not see autism as a disease, but as
vulnerability within a socio-cultural environment.
www.autismusberatung.info
4.) What is the most common therapy
approach for autistic children?
Until a few years ago,
Germany followed the US-American conception and mainly applied
ABA.
In recent years, this has shifted somewhat towards
child-centered approaches such as DIR / Floortime (R).
One of the
reasons for this is the strong protest of autistic self-advocates
against ABA.
5.) Are there alternative
therapies? Which?
www.auja.org
6.) Defining culture as an
interplay of tradition and innovation, has your country a more
traditional (e.g. importance of authority and hierarchy) or
innovative structure?
Through National
Socialism, the emigration of many Jewish scientists, the World War II
and also the idea of “unworthy life” Germany has largely
lost its cultural and also scientific roots.
After World War II
there was an Americanization, also and especially in psychology.
7.) What are the severity levels of
a developmental disorder diagnosed as autism?
The entire spectrum from early childhood autism to Asperger and HFA. However, public perception is dominated by Asperger syndrome and HFA due to the massive involvement of autistic self-advocates. The concerns and needs of families with early childhood autistics are largely overlooked.
8.) What are the philosophical and psychological foundations? In Russia e.g. it is the Vygotsky-developed “cultural-historical-concept” [Vygotsky, L.S: Fundamentals of Defectology].
See point 6. A behaviouristic perspective is dominant. References to earlier philosophical approaches are found more in Russian psychology than in the country of origin Germany.
Additions, criticism, different perspective? Please send your ideas to schmidt@autism-across-cultures.org