Bettelheim, Bruno <br/><br/>
Regression as Progress 

 -  2009.<br/>							 
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<br/><br/> Based on his experience with young children and young autists, the author discusses the concept of regression. Regression is a process with a purpose. The regressive movement is not simply a source of satisfaction for the Id, but serves a budding Ego. To regress is to retrieve an early experience by re-experiencing it partially, which fosters a chance to develop differently. This paper stresses the importance of good timing. Inducing dependency in the treatment too quickly runs the risk of losing the opportunity to allow a less repetitive process to develop, in which case it only reinforces the defensive armor. This paper is illustrated by a clinical example. It pinpoints the path caregivers follow in accompanying and recognizing the needs of the autistic child. This long therapeutic journey allows the child to reappropriate gradually parts of his/her fragmented Ego .