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Autism used to describe Schizophrenia
Eugen Bleuler was one of the first to use the term Autism to describe a symptom of Schizophrenia -
"Trouble Generator" of Schizophrenia
Eugene Minkowski, defined Autism as the 'trouble generator" of Schizophrenia -
First Public Talk on Autism
Hans Asperger gave the first public talk about Autism to members of the Nazi Party, and he feared that these children would be sent to extermination camps. He referred to some of his patients as "most promising" -
Autism caused by mothers
1950's Bruno Bettleheim made the claim that Autism was a direct result of psychological harm that was caused by the child's mother. -
Biological Condition
Bernard Rimland was the father of a son with Autism, and he was one of the first to argue that Autism was not the result of the parent relationship, but instead that it was a Biological Condition. -
Autism Society of America
Autism Society of America founded by Bernard Rimland for parents of children with Autism. -
TEACCH established
Eric Schopler created the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) at the University of North Carolina, with the purpose to provide training for individuals with Autism. -
Autism added to DSM-III
Autism was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-Third Edition as "infantile autism", which allowed doctors to accurately diagnose Autism as different from Schizophrenia -
"Autistic Disorder"
The term "Autistic Disorder" replaced "Infantile Autism" and a more detailed explanation of the diagnosis was presented. -
"Rain Man"
The movie "Rain Man" premiered with one of the stars portraying a grown man who was living with a form of Autism. This film put Autism on more of a national spotlight, showing that individuals with Autism can live long productive lives. It also helped that the star won an Academy Award for his portrayal. -
Autism "Special Education"
A Federal Government decision made Autism a Special Education category, which then allowed for schools to begin to identify and serve students with Autism -
National Alliance for Autism Research
National Alliance for Autism Research was first organization in the United States devoted to funding biomedical research on the autism spectrum disorders. -
Cure Autism Now (CAN)
Cure Autism Now (CAN) was created to raise awareness and funding for research. -
Autism Speaks
Autism Speaks was founded and funds research, increases awareness, and advocates for the needs of individuals on the spectrum and their families.