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Autism: fifty years on from Kanner
B J Tonge1, C Dissanayake, A V Brereton
1Monash University Centre for Developmental Psychiatry, Monash Medical Centre, Clayton, Victoria, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|April 1, 1994
Summary
Autism, a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, presents with varied symptoms and is linked to central nervous system abnormalities. Early interventions like special education and behavioral management can improve developmental outcomes for autistic children.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Psychology
- Child Psychiatry
Background:
- Autism was first described 50 years ago by Leo Kanner.
- Assessment and diagnosis of autism have evolved significantly.
- Autism is recognized as a biological disorder of the central nervous system (CNS).
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of autism's current understanding.
- To highlight advancements in assessment and diagnosis.
- To discuss the lifelong nature and developmental trajectory of autism.
Main Methods:
- Review of historical and current literature on autism.
- Synthesis of knowledge on phenomenology and epidemiology.
- Discussion of associated organic and psychiatric comorbidities.
Main Results:
- Autism is a CNS disorder of unknown etiology.
- Common comorbidities include epilepsy and tic disorder.
- Cognitive deficits in social interaction, affect, and language are characteristic, with ongoing debate about primary deficits.
Conclusions:
- Special education and behavioral management offer modest but significant developmental improvements.
- Autism is a lifelong condition with evolving symptom patterns and skill development.
- Further research is needed to understand the primary cognitive deficits and etiology.