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Writer's pictureLacy Neuman

A Brief History of Autism

Learn about the fascinating history of autism, from its early descriptions to its modern-day research and treatments.



Autism is a complex neurological condition that affects how a person communicates and interacts with others. It is often characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication, and behavior. Autism is now considered a spectrum disorder, meaning that it encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity levels. The history of autism can be traced back to the early 20th century, although the condition was not formally recognized until much later. In this blog post, we will explore the fascinating history of autism, from its early origins to the modern-day understanding of the condition.


Autism Prevalence
Autism Statistic


Early Understanding of Autism


The concept of autism can be traced back to the early 20th century when Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler first used the term "autism" to describe the tendency of people with schizophrenia to withdraw from social interactions. Bleuler believed that people with schizophrenia had a natural tendency towards introversion, which he called "autism." Around the same time, other researchers were beginning to study a group of children who displayed unusual behaviors, including difficulty in social interactions, communication, and repetitive behaviors. These children were often referred to as having "childhood schizophrenia" or "childhood psychosis."

One of the first researchers to study these children was Leo Kanner, an Austrian-American psychiatrist. In 1943, Kanner published a groundbreaking paper titled "Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact." In this paper, Kanner described a group of 11 children who exhibited a set of symptoms that he called "autistic disturbances." Kanner's description of autism included symptoms such as a lack of interest in social interactions, delayed language development, and repetitive behaviors. He noted that these children had a "profound inability to relate to people" and had "an obsessive desire for the preservation of sameness."

Kanner's work was significant because it was the first time that autism had been recognized as a distinct condition. However, his findings were met with skepticism from many of his colleagues, who believed that the children he had studied were simply exhibiting extreme forms of childhood psychosis.

Hans Asperger and the Discovery of Asperger Syndrome

Around the same time that Leo Kanner was studying autism, another researcher in Vienna, Hans Asperger, was also studying a group of children who exhibited similar symptoms. Asperger's work focused on a group of children who were high-functioning and exhibited what he called "autistic psychopathy."


Hans Asperger
Hans Asperger

Asperger's description of autism differed from Kanner's in some significant ways. Asperger believed that some children with autism could have normal or even high intelligence and could excel in certain areas, such as math or music.

Asperger also identified a group of children who exhibited milder symptoms than those described by Kanner. He called this condition "autistic psychopathy" and believed that it was a distinct type of autism. Today, this condition is known as Asperger Syndrome.

Asperger's work was largely ignored by the scientific community until the 1980s when it was rediscovered by researchers in the United States. Asperger's work helped to expand the understanding of autism and paved the way for the inclusion of Asperger Syndrome in the diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder.



The Rise of Behavioral Therapies


In the 1960s and 1970s, a new approach to treating autism emerged. Behavioral therapies, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Floortime, were developed as a way to help children with autism learn social and communication skills. ABA is a structured approach to teaching new skills and behaviors. It involves breaking down a complex task into smaller, more manageable steps and reinforcing each step as it is successfully completed. ABA has been shown to be effective in helping children with autism learn new skills and behaviors.

Floor time is a more child-centered approach that focuses on building emotional connections between children with autism and their caregivers. Developed by child psychiatrist Stanley Greenspan, Floortime involves getting down on the floor with a child and engaging in play activities that the child is interested in. As the child becomes more engaged, the caregiver gradually introduces new activities and challenges to help the child develop new skills and learn to regulate their emotions.

Both ABA and Floortime have been shown to be effective in helping children with autism develop new skills and improve their social and communication abilities. However, these therapies have also been controversial, with some critics arguing that they can be too rigid and fail to take into account the unique needs and interests of each child.


The Development of Diagnostic Criteria


In the 1980s, the concept of autism began to gain more widespread recognition, and researchers began to develop more precise diagnostic criteria for the condition. In 1980, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) included autism in the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III).


The DSM-III included three separate diagnoses: autistic disorder, Asperger Syndrome, and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS). Autistic disorder was defined as a severe and pervasive impairment in social interaction, communication, and behavior, while Asperger Syndrome was characterized by milder symptoms and normal or high intelligence.

The inclusion of Asperger Syndrome in the DSM-III helped to raise awareness of the condition and led to more research into high-functioning forms of autism. However, the use of separate diagnoses for different types of autism was controversial, and some experts argued that it could lead to confusion and misdiagnosis.

In 1994, the APA released the fourth edition of the DSM (DSM-IV), which included a single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). ASD was defined as a "pervasive developmental disorder characterized by impairments in social interaction, communication, and the presence of repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior." The inclusion of a single diagnosis for all forms of autism helped to simplify the diagnostic process and reduce confusion among clinicians and parents. However, it also led to concerns that some children with milder symptoms might not receive a diagnosis and appropriate services.



Recent Advances in Autism Research


In recent years, there have been significant advances in our understanding of autism and its underlying biology. Researchers have identified several genes that are associated with an increased risk of autism, as well as environmental factors that may contribute to the development of the condition.

One of the most promising areas of research involves the use of early intervention to improve outcomes for children with autism. Studies have shown that early intervention can lead to significant improvements in social and communication skills, as well as cognitive abilities. There has also been a growing recognition of the importance of involving individuals with autism and their families in research and treatment decisions. Many autism organizations and advocacy groups are now led by individuals with autism or their family members, and there is a growing emphasis on incorporating the perspectives of people with autism into research and treatment programs.


In Conclusion


The history of autism is a complex and fascinating story that spans more than a century. From the early descriptions of childhood psychosis to the development of precise diagnostic criteria, our understanding of autism has evolved significantly over the years. Today, autism is recognized as a spectrum disorder that encompasses a wide range of symptoms and severity levels. While there is still much we don't know about the condition, there is also reason for hope. Advances in genetics, neuroscience, and early intervention are paving the way for new treatments and better outcomes for individuals with autism.

As we continue to learn more about autism and its underlying biology, it is essential that we also focus on the needs and perspectives of individuals with autism and their families. By working together, we can continue to improve our understanding of autism and develop more effective treatments and support services for individuals with the condition.

One of the most important ways we can support individuals with autism is by promoting inclusion and acceptance in our communities. Many individuals with autism face significant challenges in social situations and may experience bullying, discrimination, or social isolation as a result. However, by promoting understanding and acceptance of autism, we can help to create more inclusive communities where individuals with autism feel valued and supported. This can include providing accommodations in schools and workplaces, educating the public about autism, and fostering friendships and social connections between individuals with and without autism.


Custom Designed Sensory Gym
Inclusive Sensory Gym


Another important way to support individuals with autism is by providing access to high-quality healthcare and early intervention services. Studies have shown that early intervention can have a significant impact on outcomes for children with autism, and can help to improve social and communication skills, reduce challenging behaviors, and increase overall functioning.


To ensure that individuals with autism receive the support and services they need, it is also important to advocate for policies and funding that promote autism research, education, and healthcare. This can include supporting organizations and advocacy groups that work to improve the lives of individuals with autism and their families, as well as contacting elected officials and participating in public forums to raise awareness and promote change.

Ultimately, the history of autism is a testament to the resilience and determination of individuals with autism and their families, as well as the power of scientific discovery and community support. By continuing to work together and build on our knowledge and understanding of autism, we can help to create a more inclusive, supportive, and hopeful future for all individuals with autism.


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