Autism and social convention: a symbolic view

This study posits that difficulties in communication between autistic and non-autistic people arise from the latter’s inclination to increase conventionality in symbols employed by autistic people, without considering their different perceptual style. The goal is to explore symbolic reference in the context of perception, by emphasising the theories of Ernst Cassirer and Alfred N. Whitehead. Their philosophical frameworks are investigated in the context of autism after presenting relevant theories related to perception and language in autism. Case studies derived from interviews with relatives of autistic individuals are then analysed through a philosophical and psychological lens.