1911

Eugen Bleuler introduces term autism to describe schizophrenics who appeared disconnected from outside world But Leo Kanner (Hopkins) and Hans Asperger (Vienna) were first to use the term as a standalone diagnosis, with first publications in 1943 (Kanner) and 1944 (Asperger), respectively. Kanner described “classic” autism, i.e., socially and emotionally withdrawn children preoccupied with objects and rituals. Asperger defined autistic psychopathy more broadly, and included children with far milder characteristics (Sheffer, 13-14). Asperger first introduced diagnosis “autistic psychopathy” in a lecture of October 1938 at the University of Vienna Children’s Hospital; it followed the Anschluss by several months: “Had it not been for the Nazi invasion, Asperger may never have envisioned autistic psychopathy as he did.” His October 1938 lecture at University of Vienna’s Children’s Hospital, “The Mentally Abnormal Child,” was ”Much more than a medical diagnosis, it appears less a piece of scientific research than a political and social statement”. . . . He recommended in his second sentence the overhaul of medicine according to guiding principles of National Socialism” (82, 83).