From a lacanian perspective interventions in cases of autism should aim to introduce a symbolic absence that mobilizes the circuit of desire. The case of a 2-year-old boy (Q) diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder attending to lacanian treatment is presented. The fort-da paradigm (using a pair of signifiers to represent the presence-absence) was introduced to address problems with attachment, communicative intention, and symbolic game. After treatment Q learned how to use his own language and symbolic game to regulate and express anxiety and other emotions in the absence of his mother.