Although we now know that Autism is a complex neurological disorder that has lifelong effects on those who are diagnosed with it, the history of this disorder is quite complex and interesting. This page is dedicated to addressing the intricate history of Autism and to confronting some common misconceptions people may make when first learning about ASD. |
HISTORY OF AUTISM
- In the early 1950's and 1960's, Autism and Schizophrenia were thought to be linked and the terms "childhood schizophrenia" and "infantile autism" were used interchangeably as these disorders seemed to have similar withdrawal symptoms in children
- By the late 1960's, those working in the medical field began to realize that the behavioural differences of people with Autism seemed to be neurologically linked
- During this time, Autism was thought to have been caused by bad parenting (especially mothers) who were detached and unloving towards their children, causing their children to withdraw and exhibit antisocial behaviour. The prescribed'"treatment" at the time was to separate the child from the mother, and the mother would be put through intensive coaching in parenting to learn how to be a "good" parent.
- Individuals with Autism were commonly referred to as "Idiot Savants" or "Savants"
- By the 1970's researchers began to prove that Autism was not caused by parents, but was a disorder that these children were likely born with
- In 1980, Autism first appeared as a distinct disorder in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) as "Infantile Autism"
- The DSM has continued to be revised and updated as researchers find more information about Autism. Today, Autism is considered a Spectrum Disorder or ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder) with many different level of severity and symptoms
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Refrigerator Mothers (2002) PBS Film (see trailer)Bruno Bettelheim, a child psychologist and German concentration camp survivor, based his understanding of Autism on his unfortunate experience with the Nazis. He blamed mothers for causing Autism in their children, equating them with Nazi officers. Bettelheim believed children with Autism needed to be separated from their families, and ran a school where exactly that happened. This documentary follows the heartbreaking aftermath of Bettelheim's beliefs and practices.
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Common Autism Misconceptions
Misconception #1: All cases of Autism are similar. If I have worked with one student with Autism, I know what to expect!
Because Autism is a spectrum disorder, this means that all cases of Autism can be extremely different People with Autism can be extremely high functioning and have extremely high IQ's, and others can be low functioning and non-verbal.
See more on the Spectrum of Autism: https://www.autismspeaks.org/sites/default/files/sctk_about_autism.pdf
Misconception #2: Autism can by cured.
Although there are many different therapies that can greatly improve the behaviours of individuals with Autism, there is currently no known "cure" of the disorder. For more information on different medical treatments available for Autism: http://cdn.intechopen.com/pdfs-wm/40596.pdf
Misconception #3: Autism is caused by vaccines.
In 1998, Dr. Andrew Wakefield released a medical report in the Lancet that suggested his research proved Autism was caused by MMR (Measles, Mumps and Reubella) vaccine. These findings were supported by many high profile celebrities and this became a controversial topic before it was later retracted for using false data. Current research suggests that Autism is NOT caused by vaccines. For more information about Vaccines and Autism: http://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/00_pdf/CDCStudiesonVaccinesandAutism.pdf
Misconception #4: Everyone with Autism possesses at least one highly developed skill.
In the 1988 Hollywood movie 'Rain Man', Dustin Hoffman portrayed a man with Autism. His character, Raymond Babbitt, had an amazing ability to calculate numbers. In fact, only 5-10% of individuals with Autism actually have an exceptional ability. For more information see: http://www.autism-atss.com/misconceptions.htm
Works Cited
Hanley, J. Simpson, D. (2002). Refrigerator Moms. United States, Kartemquin Films
Silverman, Chloe. (2012). Understanding Autism: Parents, Doctors, and the History of a Disorder. Princeton: Princeton University Press
Silverman, Chloe. (2012). Understanding Autism: Parents, Doctors, and the History of a Disorder. Princeton: Princeton University Press