Abstract

PELLANDA, NIZE MARIA CAMPOS. COMPLEX EPISTEMOLOGY AND AUTISM: NEW HORIZONS. Arq. bras. psicol. [online]. 2022, vol.74, e013.  Epub Sep 09, 2024. ISSN 1809-5267.  https://doi.org/10.36482/1809-5267.arbp-2022v74.15090.

This article explains a paradigmatic approach based on complexity for the subjects diagnosed with ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorders). By not separating cognition from the ontogenesis of subjects, this research project takes on a complex position, thus breaking with hegemonic behavioristic positions that disrespect the autopoietic biological conditions (self-production) of human beings, also ignoring their neuroplasticity potential when dealing with autistic subjects with repetitions, reinforcements, and other mechanical attitudes. From the explanation of this epistemology, the theoretical framework that supports the research is tackled: learning as a personal experience coupled with reality and not with adaptation. Living beings in their functioning continually change their structure, which is plastic, and conserve their organization, which is autopoietic. A touch technology device, the iPad, is used as a coupling instrument; it assures the user a very active type of interaction by triggering at the same time emotions / cognition; also, the haptic system involved (touch) can trigger neurophysiological mechanisms that help autistic subjects to find other neural pathways than those compromised by the pathology in question. The article presents at the end brief illustrations of the empirical process and transformations triggered in these subjects throughout the development of the project. In accordance with the complex methodology, the project researchers act as part of the observed system, giving account of its own operations through its autonomous systems.

Keywords : Special education; Self-management; Autopoiesis; Autism; Complexity; Neuroplasticity.

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