18/08/2025
There’s solid historical and scientific evidence showing that autism existed long before it was widely recognised:
1. Early medical descriptions
Autism was first described in medical literature by Dr. Leo Kanner in 1943 and Dr. Hans Asperger in 1944.
Their descriptions match what we now call Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), even though the terminology was different.
2. Retrospective diagnoses
Historians and psychologists have analysed historical figures and case notes from decades (and even centuries) ago that describe traits consistent with autism — things like intense focus on specific interests, difficulty with social interaction, and sensory sensitivities.
While you can’t officially diagnose someone from the past, the patterns are unmistakable.
3. Changing awareness and criteria
Before the 1980s, autism was not widely diagnosed outside specialist circles. Many people were instead misdiagnosed with intellectual disability, schizophrenia, or behavioural disorders.
The DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, 1980) broadened definitions, leading to more accurate recognition.
4. Prevalence changes don’t mean it’s “new”
The rise in diagnoses over recent decades is due to better awareness, more inclusive diagnostic criteria, and reduced stigma — not because autism suddenly appeared.
Studies show that when you screen older adults using modern tools, you find similar prevalence rates as in younger generations.
