Tracing the History of Autism: Important Dates and Events
The history of autism is a rich tapestry woven with significant milestones that have contributed to our understanding of this complex condition. Here's a look at some of the key dates and developments in the field of autism:
1911
A Swiss psychiatrist, Eugen Bleuler, first conceived the term "autism," initially asserting it as the "childhood version of schizophrenia."
1952
The American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), in its first edition, described children displaying autistic traits as having childhood schizophrenia. Over the years, the diagnosis and treatment of autism have evolved, becoming more scientific and precise.
1962
An Indian journal published a report on autism for the first time, marking a significant step in global recognition and study of the condition.
1965
The Sybil Elgar School was established, marking the beginning of organized intervention strategies. This school provided teaching and care for identified autistic children. Additionally, the first meeting of the National Society of Autistic Children (now Autism Society of America) took place.
1970
Lorna Wing, a renowned psychiatrist, introduced the concept of the "Triad of Impairments," which includes three aspects: social communication, social interaction, and imagination. This framework became fundamental in understanding autism.
1977
Susan Folstein and Michael Rutter conducted a groundbreaking study on twins, recognizing genetic factors as a primary cause of autism for the first time.
1988
The movie "Rain Man" was released, becoming the first major film to portray a person with autism. This brought autism and its associated challenges to a broader public platform, raising awareness and creating a stereotype of savant abilities among autistic individuals.
1990
In the United States, autism was included in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), making it easier for autistic children to receive special education services.
1999
The Autism Society of the United States adopted the Puzzle Ribbon as the universal symbol of autism awareness. Later, the infinity symbol, in black or rainbow color, was also adopted.
1999
The National Trust Act 1999 was enacted, establishing the National Trust for the Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, and Multiple Disabilities in India.
2008
April 2nd was designated by the United Nations as World Autism Awareness Day, promoting worldwide awareness and understanding of autism.
2023
Technological advancements brought the development of the START (Screening Tools for Autism Risk using Technology) app in India. This app uses fun activities like games, question-and-answer series, and pattern identification to assess motor skills and sensory interests on a tablet or computer. It boasts an 86% accuracy rate in identifying children with neurodevelopmental disorders and a 78% accuracy rate in specifically identifying autism.
The history of autism is marked by significant milestones that have progressively shaped our understanding and approach to this complex condition. From early misconceptions and limited awareness to advanced diagnostic tools and global recognition, each step has been crucial in enhancing the lives of individuals with autism and their families. As we continue to evolve in our understanding, the future holds promise for even more inclusive and effective interventions.
