Frances Tustin

British psychotherapist known for her work with autistic children

Frances Tustin

Frances Tustin (1913–1994) was a British psychotherapist renowned for her pioneering work in the field of child psychology, particularly her contributions to the understanding and treatment of autism. Her work focused on the early developmental stages of children and the psychological processes underlying autistic spectrum disorders.

Early Life and Education

Frances Tustin was born in 1913 in the United Kingdom. She pursued her education in psychology and psychotherapy, which laid the foundation for her future work with children. Her interest in the psychological development of children led her to train as a psychotherapist, where she was influenced by the psychoanalytic theories of Sigmund Freud and Melanie Klein.

Career

Tustin began her career working with children who exhibited severe emotional disturbances. Her work was primarily based in London, where she became associated with the Tavistock Clinic, a leading center for psychoanalytic research and therapy. It was here that she developed her interest in autism, a condition that was not well understood at the time.

Work with Autistic Children

Frances Tustin's most significant contributions were in the field of autism. She observed that autistic children often experienced a profound sense of anxiety and confusion about their own bodies and the external world. Tustin proposed that these children used "autistic objects" and "autistic shapes" as a way to manage overwhelming sensory experiences and emotional states.

Her approach emphasized the importance of understanding the child's subjective experience and the symbolic meanings of their behaviors. Tustin's work highlighted the need for therapists to create a safe and supportive environment where children could explore their feelings and begin to develop a sense of self.

Publications

Tustin authored several influential books and papers on autism and child psychotherapy. Her notable works include:

• Autistic States in Children (1981)
• Autism and Childhood Psychosis (1972)
• The Protective Shell in Children and Adults (1990)

These publications have been instrumental in shaping contemporary approaches to the treatment of autism and have provided valuable insights into the inner world of autistic individuals.

Legacy

Frances Tustin's work has had a lasting impact on the field of child psychotherapy. Her innovative ideas and therapeutic techniques continue to influence practitioners and researchers worldwide. The Frances Tustin Memorial Trust was established to honor her contributions and to promote further research and education in the field of autism.

Related Pages

• Autism
• Child Psychotherapy
• Psychoanalysis
• Melanie Klein
• Tavistock Clinic