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History of Autism
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Introduction of Autism
The word autism was first introduced by psychiatrist Eugen Bleuer. Autism was first used to describe a subset of schizophrenic patients who were usually withdrawn and self-absorbed. -
American Child Psychiatrist: Leo Kanner, M.D.
Dr. Kanner publishes about 11 highly intellectual children with early infantile autism who displayed "a powerful desire for aloneness" and "and obsessive insistence on persistent sameness". -
A Mild Form of Autism
Hans Asperger, a German scientist, describes a more mild form of autism characterized by high intellectual ability, weak social interactions, and problematic specific obsessive interests. This was known as Asperger's Syndrome. -
"Refrigerator Mothers" VS Schizophrenia
This term was used as a cause of autism by stating mothers did not consider the role of biology or genetics and they didn't love their children enough. Autism at this time was also classified under the schizophrenia. -
Genetics and Biology
Research finds that autism is largely caused by genetics and biological diffferences in brain development. -
Infantile Autism
Infantile autism is listed under DSM where it is officially separated from childhood schizophrenia. -
Autism Disorder
The DSM replaces the term infantile autism with autism disorder which includes a checklist of diagnostic criteria. The first study showing how intensive behavior therapy can help children with autism was published by UCLA psychologist Ivar Lovaas, Ph.D. -
The Start of Public Awareness
the start of public awareness begins when the movie Rain Man is released. -
Autism in Special Education
The federal government makes autism a special education category. Public schools begin identifying children on the spectrum and offering them special services. -
Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger's Syndrome is added to the DSM, expanding the autism spectrum to include milder cases in which individuals tend to be more highly functioning. -
Alternate Causes of Autism
A study suggests that the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine causes autism. -
Vaccine Manufacturers Forced to Change Vaccines
Vaccine manufacturers remove thimerosal (a mercury-based preservative) from all routinely given childhood vaccines due to public fears of its cause of autism. -
Autism Estimates
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 1 in 110 children have autism spectrum disorders. This increase is due to improved screening and diagnostic techniques. -
DSM-V
The DSM-5 folds all subcategories of the condition into one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Asperger's Syndrome is no longer considered a separate condition. ASD is defined by two categories: 1) Impaired social communication and/or interaction. 2) Restricted and/or repetitive behaviors.