Autism History
THE HISTORY OF AUTISM:
I. The Discovery Phase: The 1940s and the Two Pioneers
While autistic traits have been recorded in folklore and history for centuries (often referred to as “changelings” or “holy innocents”), the clinical history begins in the 1940s. Two researchers, separated by the Second World War, identified a distinct neurological profile.
1.1 Leo Kanner (1943): The Birth of “Infantile Autism”
In 1943, Dr. Leo Kanner of Johns Hopkins University published “Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact.” He studied 11 children who shared a “powerful desire for aloneness and sameness.”
The Findings: Kanner noted that these children had an “obsessive” need for routine and often possessed remarkable rote memories, such as memorizing every US President or a full encyclopedia.
Research Impact: Kanner was the first to differentiate autism from childhood schizophrenia. He believed the condition was present from birth, though he mistakenly suggested it was rare.
1.2 Hans Asperger (1944): The “Little Professors”
In 1944, Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger published his findings on four boys with “autistic psychopathy.”
The Findings: Asperger noted high verbal intelligence paired with social “blindness.” He observed that these children could talk at length about specific interests (trains, astronomy) but could not read the facial expressions of others.
The Legacy: Asperger believed these individuals had a “specialized intelligence” that was vital for the advancement of science and art.
II. The Era of Blame: The 1950s and 60s
This period represents the darkest chapter in autism history, where the medical community turned against the parents.
2.1 The “Refrigerator Mother” Theory
Bruno Bettelheim, a prominent psychologist, popularized the idea that autism was not biological, but psychological. He argued that children “became” autistic because their mothers were cold and unloving.
The Finding (False): Bettelheim claimed autism was a “withdrawal” from a hostile environment.
The Damage: This led to thousands of children being institutionalized and parents being subjected to decades of unearned guilt.
2.2 The Biological Rebellion (1964)
Dr. Bernard Rimland, father of an autistic son, published Infantile Autism in 1964.
The Finding (True): Rimland used data to prove that autism was a neurological, biological condition. He showed that the “Refrigerator Mother” theory had no scientific basis. This shifted the focus back to the brain.
III. The Behavioral and Spectrum Revolution: 1970s–1990s
As the 1970s arrived, the focus shifted to “modifying” the autistic person to fit into society.
3.1 Ivar Lovaas and ABA (1987)
At UCLA, Dr. Ivar Lovaas developed Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA).
The Finding: Lovaas claimed that through 40 hours a week of intense “discrete trial training,” autistic children could be made “indistinguishable from their peers.”
Modern Critique: While influential, this era is now criticized for focusing on “masking” and compliance rather than true quality of life.
3.2 Lorna Wing and the “Spectrum” Concept (1981)
British researcher Lorna Wing translated Asperger’s work and introduced the concept of the “Autism Spectrum.”
The Finding: She proved that autism wasn’t just “Kanner’s Autism” (Level 3) or “Asperger’s” (Level 1), but a continuous spectrum of support needs. This led to the DSM-IV including Asperger’s Disorder in 1994.
IV. The Genetic and Diagnostic Surge: 1990s–2010
The “Autism Epidemic” became a headline as diagnoses skyrocketed.