Open Forum:
Dreams and Nightmares in the World of Autism. Will we survive? Can we thrive? Joshua D. Feder, M.D. Faculty, Interdisciplinary Council on Developmental and Learning Disorders Assistant Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry University of California at San Diego, School of Medicine
In the beginning‌ The Interpretation of Dreams Sigmund Freud, 1899 (Brill 1911).
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Freud: The Interpretation of Dreams
Dreams are wishes Wishes are Fears
‘THE ROYAL ROAD’ Wishes and fears can be unconscious Unconscious things can cause trouble Making them conscious can help
Useful dreams:
Linus Pauling’s (benzene) snake Joseph and Pharaoh: planning
Looking at ourselves.  Looking at our fears and wishes helps us solve problems and plan better (survive).  Looking at our fears and wishes helps us reach beyond previous expectations (thrive).
A common nightmare: The injured child – Obvious level: Vulnerability Unspoken fear: Separation Unpalatable possibility: Resentment
Brainstorming: Your dreams and nightmares here:
Are there general themes in these dreams and nightmares?  What do we hope for our loved ones with Autism?  What are we afraid of for them and for us?
Are there other messages in the nightmares?
SEVEN SINS AND VIRTUES
lust - self control pride - humility greed - generosity envy - love anger - kindness sloth - zeal gluttony - faith and temperance
Ghosts in the Nursery Selma Fraiberg  We all have experiences that shape us.  We are all blind in some ways to these ghosts  We have to work together to have a balanced approach to nurturing our loved ones (ensure we survive) while supporting their development (help us thrive).