History of Asperger syndrome

History of Asperger syndrome

The Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. The history of Asperger syndrome dates back to the early 20th century, with the work of Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger.

Early History

In 1944, Hans Asperger, a pediatrician in Vienna, published a definition of Asperger syndrome that was largely unnoticed until translated into English in the 1980s. Asperger described children in his practice who lacked nonverbal communication skills, demonstrated limited empathy with their peers, and were physically clumsy.

Recognition and Classification

The syndrome was not widely recognized or diagnosed until the late 20th century. In 1981, British psychiatrist Lorna Wing published a series of case studies of children showing similar symptoms, which she called "Asperger's syndrome". This led to the inclusion of Asperger syndrome in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) in 1994.

Recent Developments

In the DSM-5, published in 2013, Asperger syndrome was removed as a separate diagnosis and included within autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This change was controversial and has been both praised and criticized by professionals in the field.

See Also

• Autism spectrum
• Hans Asperger
• Lorna Wing
• Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders

External Links

• Autism Speaks: Asperger Syndrome
• National Institute of Mental Health: Autism Spectrum Disorders

History of Asperger syndrome Resources
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