The History of Autism

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The History of Autism

Over the past century, the definition of autism and the array of disorders it encompasses has not only changed but also been subject to gross misunderstanding. Let’s take a look at a short history of autism, as well as current diagnosis rates and information.

What is Autism?

Autism is an umbrella term for autism spectrum disorder, which is characterized by: (5)

Constant problems with social communication and interaction across a variety of contexts
Repetitive, restricted patterns of behavior, activities and interests
Early-onset emergence of symptoms (typically in the first two years of life)
Symptoms that cause major impairment in social, educational or other important areas of functioning

It’s called a spectrum because of the wide range of symptoms and impairment levels children can have. Some are only mildly affected by their symptoms, while other children are severely disabled.

The Greek root of the word “autism” is “autos,” meaning “self.” Individuals with autism are generally withdrawn from social and emotional interaction, giving rise to the term. (1)

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Autism: A Brief Timeline

1911

Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler first uses the term in reference to certain symptoms of schizophrenia. (1)

1920s

Stemming from the belief that autism symptoms are caused by diet (including those high in gluten), biochemical treatments are used, and diet supplements and restrictions are put in place for children with autism. (3)

1930s

Electroconvulsive therapy is first used to try to correct antisocial and self-destructive behavior. Though controversial, this type of treatment is still used in rare cases today. (3)

1940s

“Autism” is first used to describe children who experience emotional or social issues. (1)

1943

A definition for autism is put in place by child psychiatrist Leo Kanner. He describes autism as “lack of affective contact, fascination with objects, desire for sameness and non-communicative language before 30 months of age.” (2)

1944

German scientist Hans Asperger detects a condition with similar afflictions that is now called “Asperger’s syndrome.” There is still believed to be a link between autism and schizophrenia. (1, 2)

1950s

Autism is falsely suspected of being caused by cold and uncaring mothers. Parentectomy, or the removal of the afflicted child from his or her parents for long periods of time, is utilized for treatment by a doctor in a study. (3)

1960s

Various treatments are tested, but there is still a limited understanding of what helps patients. Pain and punishment are still inflicted on children to try to correct antisocial behavior. The use of LSD is implemented. As a serotonin inhibitor, it is believed that altering the patient’s state of perception will help alleviate symptoms. (1, 3)

1965

Bernard Rimland, an American psychologist, establishes the Autism Society of America, one of the first autism advocacy groups. (2)

1980s

Early forms of behavioral therapy are used primarily in the treatment of children with autism, and autism is finally categorized separately from schizophrenia. Neurosensory therapy is introduced, as researchers and doctors begin to believe that sensitivity to auditory stimulation is responsible for some antisocial behavior. (1, 2, 3)

1990s
Holding therapy, in which a child is restrained and forced to perform various social reactions like maintaining eye contact, is used. (3)

Today

The term “autism spectrum disorder” is used, and specific tools for diagnosing the severity of a child’s case are developed. Applied behavioral therapy and psycho-dynamic therapies are typically used to treat children with autism. (1, 3)

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Autism Today

Due to a more thorough understanding of the disorder and effective treatments for its symptoms, more children are getting the help they need to live more social, emotionally fulfilling lives. We now understand a lot more about the disorder and who it affects.

1 in 68

Estimated number of children affected by an autism spectrum disorder. For boys, the number is 1 in 42. (4)

2%-18%

Likelihood that a person will have a second child with autism if they already have one (4)

1 in 10

Number of children with autism who also have Down syndrome or another chromosomal disorder (4)

2 years

Age at which a diagnosis of autism is typically reliable. Most children are not diagnosed until they are 4 years old. (4)

Unfortunately, along with a more thorough understanding of autism has come a boom of diagnoses and fear regarding the cause of the disorder.

120%

Increase in autism spectrum disorder prevalence between 2002 and 2010 (4)

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