The History of Autism

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 Early-onset emergence of symptoms (typically in the first two years of life) social communication and interaction across a variety of contexts Repetitive, restricted patterns of behavior, activities and Symptoms that cause major impairment in social, educational or other important areas of functioning interests 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. AUTISM The Greek root of the word "autism" is "autos" meaning "self" Individuals with autism are generally withdrawn from social and emotional interaction, giving rise to the term." AUTISM: A BRIEF TIMELINE 1911 Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler first uses the term in 1920s Stemming from the belief that autism reference to certain symptoms of schizophrenia. 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. 1940s Though controversial, this type of treatment is still used in rare cases today. (3) "Autism" is first used to describe children who experience emotional or social issues. ) 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." e) 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. () 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 1965 implemented. As a serotonin inhibitor, it is believed that altering the patient's state of perception will help alleviate symptoms. 4.3) Bernard Rimland, an American psychologist, establishes the Autism Society of America, one of the first autism advocacy groups. @) 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 1990s Holding therapy, in which a child is restrained and forced to perform various introduced, as researchers and doctors begin to believe that sensitivity to auditory stimulation is responsible for some antisocial behavior. 1.2, 3) 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, (13) Due to a more thorough understanding of the disorder and effective treatments for its AUTISM TODAY 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 2%-18% For boys, the number Estimated number of is 1 in 42, (4) Likelihood that a person children affected by an autism spectrum disorder (4) will have a second child with autism if they already have one (4) years 1 in 10 Number of children with autism who also have Down syndrome or another chromosomal Age at which a diagnosis of autism is typically reliable. Most children are not diagnosed until they are 4 years old. (4) disorder (4) Unfortunately, along with a more thorough understanding of 120% 1 in 68 Increase in autism has come a autism spectrum boom of diagnoses and fear regarding the disorder 1 in 150 prevalence between 2002 cause of the disorder. and 2010 (4) 2002 2010 SOURCES 1. http://www.webmd.com 2. http://www.washingtonpost.com 3. http://bdkmsw.umwblogs.org 4. http://www.cdc.gov 5. http://www.nimh.nih.gov masters-in-special-education.com le