自閉性スペクトラム障害、対人相互性の障害はパターン認識である程度は乗り切れる、名古屋の児童精神科医が解説

こんにちは、名古屋市千種区　児童精神科専門クリニック、医療法人永朋会　和光医院、加藤晃司です。

今回は、自閉性スペクトラム障害、対人相互性の障害はパターン認識である程度は乗り切れる、について解説します。

対人相互性の障害とは、他者の心の理解の障害です。

通常だと４歳くらいで、他者の心が理解できますが、ASDだとそれが遅れるか、ずっと苦手です。

しかしまったくできないわけではない人がほとんどです。

見えないものを想像することも苦手なので、予測が苦手です。

ですが、コミュニケーションもですが、ある程度パターン化することは可能です。

それほど多くの選択肢があるわけでもないので、最初のうちは失敗することが多いでしょうが、パターン化することをかなり幼いときから意識していれば、結構うまくいくものです。

しかしそのためには、ある程度の病識と、パターン化して乗り切っていくぞ、という覚悟は必要です。

いわれたからやっています、では身につくのも遅くなります。

そして現実的な世界での予測も、パターンの組み合わせにすぎず、それも予測可能となるでしょう。

自分を知ることがもっとも重要です。

対人相互性の障害があると、対人相互性の障害があることをイメージできず、最後まで入っていかない方もいます。

それが最初の一歩かなと思います。

自分を客観的にとらえるのは結構苦しいし大変なので、特に困っていることがないと人があえてやる必要はありません。

ですが、今のままでは何かが違う、と思っている人は、一度ぜひご相談ください。

ASDに限らず、自己分析をすることができるのも児童精神科のよさではあります。

医療法人永朋会　和光医院
医療法人永朋会はこちら


Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Navigating Social Reciprocity Challenges Through Pattern Recognition
By Dr. Koji Kato, Wako Clinic, Chikusa Ward, Nagoya
Hello, I am Dr. Koji Kato from Wako Clinic, a child psychiatry specialist clinic in Chikusa Ward, Nagoya City, operated by the Eihoukai Medical Corporation.

Today, I will discuss how individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can address challenges in social reciprocity through pattern recognition as a compensatory strategy.

Understanding Social Reciprocity Challenges in ASD
Social reciprocity refers to the ability to understand and respond to others' emotions, intentions, and perspectives. This capacity typically develops by the age of 4 in neurotypical children but is often delayed or remains challenging for individuals with ASD.

Key Characteristics of Social Reciprocity Challenges
Difficulty Understanding Others’ Minds

ASD individuals often struggle to infer or imagine the thoughts and feelings of others, making interactions unpredictable.
Challenges in Prediction

Their difficulty with abstract thinking and imagination affects their ability to anticipate others’ behaviors or reactions.
Not an Absolute Limitation

Most individuals with ASD have some capacity to understand others but require alternative strategies to do so effectively.
How Pattern Recognition Helps
Despite these challenges, social interactions can often be patternized to reduce unpredictability. By identifying recurring social cues and responses, individuals with ASD can navigate interpersonal situations more effectively.

Why Pattern Recognition Works
Social interactions, while complex, often follow certain predictable structures or scripts.
Over time, repeated exposure to similar interactions helps create a mental "library" of patterns.
Steps to Develop Pattern Recognition Skills
Start Early

Encouraging pattern recognition from a young age can significantly improve social adaptation over time.
Practice Through Trial and Error

Initial attempts may result in mistakes, but repeated practice is essential to refine these patterns.
Cultivate Awareness and Motivation

Success depends on a conscious commitment to observe, recognize, and apply patterns. Merely doing it “because someone said so” will slow progress.
Combine Patterns for Prediction

Even real-world unpredictability can often be managed by combining simpler patterns, creating a framework for making educated guesses.
The Importance of Self-Knowledge
To effectively implement pattern recognition, individuals must first understand their own strengths and limitations. This includes acknowledging the presence of social reciprocity challenges.

Challenges in Self-Awareness
A common difficulty in ASD is the inability to conceptualize one’s own challenges, including deficits in social reciprocity.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step in developing strategies to overcome them.
The Role of Self-Reflection
Self-reflection can be difficult and emotionally taxing, particularly if there is no immediate need or perceived problem.
However, for those who feel “something is off,” self-awareness can be a transformative starting point.
When to Seek Help
If you or someone you know struggles with social interactions and is searching for ways to adapt or improve, consulting a child psychiatrist can provide valuable guidance. In addition to ASD-specific interventions, psychiatry offers tools for self-analysis and personalized strategies to enhance social functioning.

Conclusion
While social reciprocity challenges in ASD can be significant, they are not insurmountable. Pattern recognition offers a practical way to navigate interpersonal interactions, reducing unpredictability and enhancing confidence.

Key points include:

Early Practice: Starting young allows for gradual improvement.
Motivation: A proactive mindset leads to faster and more effective learning.
Self-Awareness: Understanding one’s own strengths and limitations is critical to success.
If you feel uncertain about your current approach to social interactions or believe that things could improve, please consider reaching out for a consultation. With the right support, individuals with ASD can achieve meaningful progress in their social lives.