A History of Autism

This unique book is the first to fully explore the history of autism - from the first descriptions of autistic-type behaviour to the present day. Features in-depth discussions with leading professionals and pioneers to provide an unprecedented insight into the historical changes in the perception of autism and approaches to it Presents carefully chosen case studies and the latest findings in the field Includes evidence from many previously unpublished documents and illustrations Interviews with parents of autistic children acknowledge the important contribution they have made to a more profound understanding of this enigmatic condition

Acknowledgments ix Foreword by Dame Stephanie Shirley xv Introduction 1 1 The Two Great Pioneers 9 2 The 1950s: The Seeds of Understanding 37 3 Blaming the Parents 54 4 The 1960s: The Parents Fight Back 76 5 The Two Teaching Pioneers 117 6 The 1970s: Major Steps Forward 139 7 Definition, Diagnosis, and Assessment: The History of the Tool 165 8 The 1980s and 1990s: Theories and Concepts 203 9 Autism in the Developing Nations 233 10 Where the Future Lies 265 Notes 298 Bibliography 339 Index 367