-
The word autism became recognized
Autism is now being used to describe a group of patients who had been diagnosed with schizophrenic and were especially withdrawn. -
Child psychiatrist Leo Kanner, M.D., publishes paper
This paper describes 11 children who were highly intelligent however, displayed a desire to be alone. Dr, Kanner named this condition, "early infantile autism" -
Hans Asperger
Psychologist, Hans Asperger described a milder form of autism, once known as Asperger's Syndrome. -
"Refrigerator Mothers"
Psychologist Bruno Bettelheim popularized the theory that autism was caused by mothers not loving their children enough (which proved to be incorrect!) -
Twins Research
It was discovered that Autism is caused by genetics and biological differences in brain development. -
"Infantile Autism" now on the DSM
"Infantile Autism" was added to the Diagnostic and Statisical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for the first time. -
Behavior Therapy Can Help!
Ivar Lovaas, Ph.D., publishes the first study stating that behavior therapy can help people with autism. This creates new hope for parents of children with Autism. -
"Infantile Autism" is now replaced with "Autism Disorder"
The DLM replaces Infantile Autism with Autism Disorder; which now includes a checklist of diagnostic criteria. -
Rain Man
This movie was released to bring awareness to the public regarding Autism. -
Autism is recognized as a Special Education Category
The federal government is now recognizing Autism as a special education category. Public schools can now identify students with autism and program for them appropriately in the public school setting. -
Asperger's Syndrome was added to DSM
The addition of Asperger's Syndrome includes milder cases of Autism in individuals whom are higher functioning. -
Vaccine Debunked!
It was suggested that the measles-mumps-rubella vaccine causes autism. These findings quickly became proven incorrect. -
Removal of thimerosal
Vaccine manufactures removed a mercury-based preservative from routine childhood vaccines. The public feared that this mercury was playing in role in the diagnosis of Autism. The link between the vaccine and autism was found unknown. -
Diagnosis of Autism increased
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated that 1 in 110 have autism spectrum disorder, which was up from 2007 which stated that 1 in 150 were diagnosed. The increased diagnosis is believed to be due to the improved screening and diagnostic techniques. -
ASD and two categories
ASD is now defined by two categories. 1) Impaired Social Communication or interaction. 2) Restricted or repetitive behaviors. -
No More Asperger's Syndrome
DSM combined all five subcategories of Autism into one diagnosis, now referred to as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). -
SPARK
Simons Foundation launched SPARK, an autism research project. This study involves scientists at 21 hospitals and university clinics. The focus is on the possible connection between genetics and autism. -
Julia
Sesame Street has a new character named, Julia, who has autism.
