This paper presents the long trajectory of an autistic child in relation to the establishment of the notion of time.
Based on the theories of Winnicott, the author seeks to demonstrate how autism is an evidence of “no time”, of a process which stagnated in order to protect itself from terrifying experiences totally devoid of meaning or significance.
Children’s stories represent for a long time and in various manners the only bridge of contact between this patient and his analyst. The patient (Lucas) switches from the use of rythm (analyst’s reading rythm) to the use of content to establish time within himself. Time of process, time of change, time of life.
The patient’s position regarding life changes. Lucas reveals interest toward his environment. He depends very much on the analyst’s capacity to adapt and ability to understand by giving him sense to what is to be lived now during this new time of discovery.