Lorna Wing

Lorna Wing
Born	7 October 1928 Gillingham, Kent, England
Died	6 June 2014 Kent, England
Nationality	British
Occupation	Psychiatrist
Known for	Autism research, Asperger syndrome

Lorna Wing (7 October 1928 – 6 June 2014) was a renowned British psychiatrist and physician who made significant contributions to the understanding of autism and related developmental disorders. She is best known for her work in popularizing the concept of Asperger syndrome and for her role in developing the Wing's triad of impairments.

Early Life and Education

Lorna Wing was born in Gillingham, Kent, England. She pursued her medical education at University College London, where she graduated with a degree in medicine. Her interest in psychiatry was sparked during her medical training, leading her to specialize in this field.

Career and Contributions

Lorna Wing's career was marked by her pioneering work in the field of autism. She was instrumental in shifting the perception of autism from a rare condition to a spectrum of disorders. Her research was driven by personal experience, as her daughter, Susie, was diagnosed with autism.

Autism Research

Wing's research focused on the social and communication difficulties experienced by individuals with autism. She introduced the concept of the "autistic spectrum," which recognized the wide range of symptoms and abilities among individuals with autism. This was a significant departure from the earlier view that autism was a singular, narrowly defined condition.

Asperger Syndrome

Lorna Wing played a crucial role in bringing international attention to the work of Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician who had described a group of children with distinct social and communication challenges. In 1981, Wing published a paper that introduced the term "Asperger syndrome" to the English-speaking world, highlighting the need for recognition of this subgroup within the autism spectrum.

Wing's Triad

Wing identified a triad of impairments that characterized autism: difficulties in social interaction, communication, and imagination. This triad became a cornerstone in the diagnosis and understanding of autism spectrum disorders.

Legacy

Lorna Wing's work has had a lasting impact on the field of psychiatry and the understanding of autism. She co-founded the National Autistic Society in the UK, which has been instrumental in advocating for individuals with autism and their families. Her contributions have led to greater awareness, improved diagnostic criteria, and better support for those affected by autism.

Also see

• Autism spectrum disorder
• Hans Asperger
• National Autistic Society
• Developmental disorder