The history of autism

Abstract

Autism remains a fascinating condition, perhaps the most prolifically researched of all child psychiatric disorders. Its history yields many lessons: early accounts of possible autism are, with one exception, unclear; the greatest contributions to our understanding have come from individual clinicians and researchers; the concept and definition of the disorder have changed greatly over the years; some ideas once held with conviction, were later proved to be unfounded; and socio-political shifts as well as research findings have radically altered our understanding of the syndrome as well as the care and treatment offered to people with autism.

Commensal Bugs from the Gut-Shaping Human Health and Disease

“…It is typically associated with limited repetitive and stereotypic behavior and is noticeable within the first 3 years of life [176,177]. Until 1990 Autism was treated as a rare psychological disorder.…”

Historical Perspectives on the Antaean Animadversion of Vaccine Science in the 21st Century

“…The courts of 18 th century Scotland provides one of the earliest well-documented cases of autism with the legal recordings of Hugh Blair (Borgue, Scotland) who was due to gain an inheritance and his brother was arguing in court why he was not fit for such a beneficence [17]. A feral child was caught in 1798 in Aveyron, France who was treated by Jean Itard, a medical student, and called the "Wild Boy of Aveyron" [18]. [20].…”

Understanding autism spectrum disorder in Hanoi, Vietnam

“…Even though Dr Kanner recognised the role of genetic factors in the causation of this disorder, in his work he stressed the role of parenting in the condition, suggesting it resulted from a cold, rigid, humourless and detached parental style. This scientific discourse led to the blaming of parents (Wing 1997, Wolff 2004). In 1944 in Vienna, a paediatrician, Hans Asperger, also described autism disorder among older children and adolescents.…”

“…Some of the children had profound challenges in communication, social interaction and behaviour while others were only slightly affected, with gifts in mathematics or natural sciences and good speech. It was not until the 1980s that Asperger's work was available in the English language literature (Wing 1997, Wolff 2004). …”

“…Because of the scientific discourse, many parents felt guilty, stressed and were blamed for their child's condition and children were given unnecessary and expensive psychotherapies instead of appropriate education and supports (Wing 1997, Wolff 2004.…”