The Clinical Structures and The Autistic Subject with Leon Brenner

The study of repression is the corner-stone on which the whole structure of Freud’s psychoanalysis rests. Freud recognized three forms of repression that are involved in the constitution of the subject in its three structural modalities commonly known in psychoanalysis as neurosis, perversion, and psychosis. In his book, “The Autistic Subject: On the Threshold of Language”, Leon Brenner suggest that, today, we can identify a fourth type of repression, which is the cause of autism.

Our seminar will delve into the specificities of neurosis, perversion, psychosis and autism in Freud and Lacan’s psychoanalysis. We will discuss their clinical importance, how they differ and relate to each other, and Brenner’s idea of a unique autistic structure? The seminar will engage with these psychoanalytic questions and contrast them with the history of their psychological and normative accounts today.

Each session includes a lecture, discussion, and in-class readings. No prior knowledge of Lacan’s teachings is required.

There are two ways to get involved: Enroll via one of the tiers*, or become a Tier 3 or 4 subscriber to TU – either via the app (available on Apple and Android app stores) or right here on the site.

Rough sketch of the course:

Session 1: Repression as a Key Aspect of the Subject

We’ll discuss Freud’s view that repression is central to all psychoanalytic subject structures, focusing on neurosis, psychosis, and autism.

Session 2: Neurosis and Repression

We’ll trace the evolution of repression in Freud and Lacan’s theories, particularly distinguishing between primary repression and repression as a defense mechanism.

Session 3: Psychosis and Foreclosure

Here, we’ll compare repression and foreclosure, highlighting the unique features of psychotic foreclosure and its impact on reality and language.

Session 4: Autism and Foreclosure

We’ll examine Brenner’s theory of autistic foreclosure, including a discussion on the origin of autism, the entry into language, and the use of symbols and signs.

Session 5: Autism in Contemporary Psychoanalytic Practice

This session focuses on the psychoanalytic approach to autism. We’ll explore how autism differs from neurosis, perversion, and psychosis, and how it’s treated clinically. We’ll also consider how this psychoanalytic view contrasts with political, economic, and identity-based perspectives on autism.

 

*

Tier 1: AUDIT: Access to the lecture Zoom calls + 6 months of access to the lecture recordings and the forum. 

Tier 2: LONG-TERM BUY-IN: Everything from Tier 1 + Long-term buy-in and access to the course, forum, and lectures. 

Tier 3: Everything from Tiers 1 and 2 + Direct constructive critical feedback from Dr. Brenner / A special discussion session that will go over any final projects or questions you have.

Tier 4: Everything from Tiers 1-3 + Two 1-on-1 Zoom calls with Dr. Brenner. The first is to be scheduled while the course is ongoing, and the second is to be conducted after the course is over, for a constructive criticism session dealing with your final project.