MINIMALIST THEORY OF FICTION AND THE ICTHINKING® METHOD AS A BACKGROUND FOR NEW INSIGHTS TO AUTISM

Authors

  • Crister Nyberg University of Jyväskylä, Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Finland
  • Amanda Ptolomey University of Glasgow, Strathclyde Centre for Disability Research, School of Social and Political Sciences, United Kingdom

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.46827/ejse.v7i1.3598

Keywords:

autism, integrative complexity, metacognition, fiction

Abstract

The standard approach to conceptual understanding in the case of autism uses the distinction of abstract versus concrete thinking. This approach has its benefits but fails to explain all features of language use. For example, some concepts change their meaning in different contexts in contrast to concepts that are more rigid in their uses, such as mathematical concepts. This idea has its background in Minimalist theory of fiction (MTF), a theory that considers ‘skills to use words’ essential for understanding fiction, contrasting with theories that require pretending or make believe to understand fiction. From this background, the theory of Integrative Complexity (IC), and the method animating for practice, ICthinking®, can be of particular use to autistic people. The interventions develop meta-cognitive skills and are supportive of autistic people. From these starting points, we introduce new research hypotheses for developing educational methods especially for autistic people.

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Author Biographies

  • Crister Nyberg, University of Jyväskylä, Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy, Finland
    Crister Nyberg (PhD) is a Visiting Researcher in University of Jyväskylä, Department of Social Sciences and Philosophy. Principal Lecturer in Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, School of Vocational Teacher Education.
  • Amanda Ptolomey, University of Glasgow, Strathclyde Centre for Disability Research, School of Social and Political Sciences, United Kingdom
    Amanda Ptolomey is a Doctoral Researcher of University of Glasgow, Strathclyde Centre for Disability Research, School of Social and Political Sciences.

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Published

2021-02-24

Issue

Vol. 7 No. 1 (2021)

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Articles

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