Introduction:
Asperger’s Syndrome, previously recognized as a distinct diagnosis within the autism spectrum, has a rich and multifaceted history. To fully comprehend the roots of Asperger’s, we must explore the life of Hans Asperger, the Austrian physician who first identified the condition, and Lorna Wing, who later popularized the term “Asperger’s Syndrome”. This blog post aims to illuminate the relationship between Asperger’s Syndrome, its historical context, and the implications of this understanding for the autism community.
Who was Hans Asperger?
Hans Asperger was an Austrian pediatrician who lived from 1906 to 1980. In the 1940s, he was working at the University Children’s Hospital in Vienna. He was married to his wife Hanna and had four young children of his own at the time.
Whilst working at the children’s hospital, he came across four boys – Fritz V., Harro L., Ernst K., and Hellmuth L. He noted that they seemed to have a lack of empathy, difficulties in forming friendships, one-sided conversations, intense absorption in a special interest, and clumsy movements. Their similarities intrigued him and he published a paper, introducing the term “autistic psychopathy” to describe their condition. Asperger’s work was initially overlooked and only gained recognition many years after his death. He referred to the children he studied as “little professors” due to their deep interest in specific topics and their ability to talk about them extensively, despite having social and communication difficulties.
Who was Lorna Wing?
Lorna Wing, a British psychiatrist, played a significant role in the understanding of autism. She popularized the term “Asperger’s Syndrome” in the 1980s, drawing on Hans Asperger’s work. Wing’s research, particularly with her collaborator Judith Gould, forms the foundation of current thinking in the field of autism. They initiated the Camberwell Case Register to record all patients using psychiatric services in this area of London. The data accumulated by this innovative approach gave Wing the basis for her influential insight that autism formed a spectrum, rather than clearly differentiated disorders.
Historical Context:
Hans Asperger lived and worked during a time of great turmoil, including World War II. Recent historical research undertaken in 2010 by by Herwig Czech, a historian of medicine at the Medical University of Vienna, and officially published in the journal “Molecular Autism”in 2018 revealed documents that suggest Hans Asperger not only had affiliations with the Nazi party, but also indicated that Asperger referred disabled children to a Nazi controlled hospital (Am Spiegelgrund clinic) in Vienna, which post war was found to have practiced child eugenics. This revelation has obviously led to a reevaluation of his work and the context in which it was undertaken.
Understanding the Past:
While there are claims that Asperger may have been involved with the Nazi regime’s policies, direct evidence showing Asperger to be aware of what was happening in Am Spiegelgrund clinic is limited and where buried in the Austrian archives. Whether or not he was an active and knowing participant is a matter for historians. Regardless, his name is understandably tainted and many felt the term Asperger’s Syndrome was too.
Impact on the Autism Community:
The potential association of Asperger with the Nazi party has stirred discussions within the autism community. The removal of Asperger’s Syndrome from the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), can be seen as a response to these discussions, aiming to separate the diagnosis from its complex origins and to a lesser extent to streamline Autism diagnosis. Many within the autism community have found it challenging to reconcile the positive aspects of the diagnosis, such as the recognition of unique strengths, and difference in functional ability to others on the spectrum, with the knowledge of Asperger’s historical context.
Moving Forward:
The potential association of Hans Asperger with the Nazi party raises important ethical questions and challenges our understanding of the condition named after him. It is vital to remember that the contributions of countless individuals on the autism spectrum should not be overshadowed by the actions of a single individual. As we move forward, it is essential to continue supporting and advocating for the needs of all individuals on the autism spectrum while fostering an inclusive and compassionate society.
Conclusion:
The history of Asperger’s Syndrome is complex, with its origins linked to Hans Asperger, Lorna Wing, and their respective historical contexts. By acknowledging this history, we can engage in a meaningful dialogue and work towards creating a more inclusive and understanding society for all individuals on the autism spectrum.