Autism Spectrum Disorder from a Phenomenological Perspective

Phenomenological approaches focus on the immediate and subjective experience of consciousness in the present moment, heavily focusing on the what rather than the why to determine underlying causes (Cervone & Pervin, 2023). The goal is to understand the structure of consciousness and how current experiences contribute to the individual sense of the world. 

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs

Abraham Maslow developed a theory that proposed that human beings are motivated to fulfill needs based on a tier of hierarchy (a system of organized levels) (Greene & Burke, 2007). As the tiers are fulfilled step-by-step, from lower to higher levels, individuals progress toward self-actualization and realize their full potential. Maslow defined self-actualization as the highest human need in the hierarchy, where the full potential is realized, and all basic needs are met. He emphasized that self-actualization was met when individuals developed a sense of self-awareness in conjunction with fine-tuned listening and awareness of inner thoughts and intrinsic learning (Maslow, 1965). 

Autism in Maslow's Hierarchy

Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs calls for a specific structure and process. According to his theory, for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to accomplish self-actualization, physiological needs, like shelter and food, are the greatest priority to meet (Osemeke & Adegboyega, 2017). Safety needs, such as security and stability, follow along with societal and relationship needs of love and a sense of belonging. Lastly, self-respect, recognition, and satisfaction (esteem needs) should be met to accomplish one's full potential through self-actualization. 

Although deficits common among individuals with ASD can create challenges or delays in properly meeting each step in the appropriate order in the hierarchy, Maslow's theory supports a motivational pathway (Acquah et al., 2021) that is uniquely shaped based on the ability and severity of the disorder. Regardless, Maslow's theory fully supports the belief that all individuals, despite disabilities or deficiencies, can reach the highest levels of growth and self-fulfillment with the support of their environments. 

Growth and Development within Maslow's Theory

Key elements within Maslow's theory can limit personal growth and development. This is primarily because Maslow stressed how the hierarchy is linear; it must be met in a step-by-step process. Therefore, deficits within ASD can delay the achievement of the next tier. Additionally, the process is regulated by environmental response and reaction, implying that autistic individuals rely on others to help craft an environment that is friendly to autistic individual's fulfillment of needs. 

Through Maslow's lenses, psychopathology was a direct result of chronic environmental unmet needs and adversities. The individual is not at fault, but rather, the environment has failed the person to help achieve self-actualization by failing to provide the elements of basic needs to succeed and realize self-fulfillment. 

In the aspect of therapeutic change, therapy can help autistic individuals become more socially aware of deficits in their environments that are trumping their growth and complete fulfillment. Therapy can help individuals with ASD develop and strengthen new coping skills and develop more adaptive means to environmental factors to improve their quality of life (Ventegodt et al., 2003).




References 
  1. Acquah, A., Nsiah, T. K., Antie, E. N. A., & Otoo, B. (2021). Literature review on theories of motivation. EPRA International Journal of Economic and Business Review, 9(5), 25-29. 
  2.  Cervone, D., & Pervin, L. A. (2023). Personality: Theory and research (15th ed.). Wiley.
  3. Greene, L., & Burke, G. (2007). Beyond self-actualization. Journal of Health and Human Services Administration, 30(2), 116-128. https://doi.org/10.1177/107937390703000201
  4. Maslow, A. (1965). Self-actualization and beyond.
  5. Osemeke, M., & Adegboyega, S. (2017). Critical review and comparism between Maslow, Herzberg and McClelland’s theory of needs. Funai Journal of Accounting, Business and Finance, 1(1), 161-173.
  6. Ventegodt, S., Merrick, J., & Andersen, N. J. (2003). Quality of life theory III. Maslow revisited. The Scientific World Journal, 3(1), 1050-1057. 
    https://doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2003.84

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