THE OBJECT-PRESERVING FUNCTION OF SADOMASOCHISM.

The terms sadism, masochism, and sadomasochism seem to have become increasingly, if loosely, associated with aggression in psychoanalytic discourse. This is due in part to the fact that Freud's changing ideas generated confusion about the relative contributions of libido and aggression. The author reviews Freud's variable usage and offers a clinical vignette to illustrate the importance of noticing how sadomasochism may maintain a tie to the object by controlling it.

Analytic technique: a reconsideration of the concept.

Lipton's 1977 paper on "The Advantages of Freud's Technique …" is taken as a starting point to reconsider the concept of analytic technique itself. How an analyst works may be construed in terms of rules of the analyst's behavior, of principles underlying the analyst's behavior, or of the analyst's attitude that shapes how he or she acts on technical principles. The author argues that the analyst's attitude while acting on technical principles is an integral part of analytic praxis, and that it is a function of the analyst's character.

Autism spectrum disorder: an emerging opportunity for physical therapy.

Purpose: A growing body of evidence from research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) confirms a substantial sensory motor component to ASD. Yet, policy and practice lag behind in recognizing the potential contributions of physical therapists in research, practice, and education related to ASD. The objective of this commentary is to inform and encourage reflection and formal dialogue among pediatric physical therapists regarding the assumption of vital roles in research, education, and clinical practice in ASD.

Challenges in evaluating psychosocial interventions for Autistic Spectrum Disorders.

In 2002, the National Institutes of Health sponsored a meeting concerning methodological challenges of research in psychosocial interventions in Autism Spectrum Disorders. This paper provides a summary of the presentations and the discussions that occurred during this meeting. Recommendations to federal and private agencies included the need for randomized clinical trials of comprehensive interventions for autism as the highest, but not the sole priority.