The Evolution of Autism Diagnosis: A Timeline of Change
- Sophia Whitehouse
- May 10
- 3 min read
Autism has always existed. But how we talk about it, understand it, and diagnose it? That’s changed wildly over the last century—and spoiler alert: it hasn’t always been pretty.
If you’ve ever wondered why autism is still so misunderstood, a peek into the history of autism diagnosis might explain a lot. Buckle up for a bumpy ride through stigma, science, and slow progress.
🕰️ 1908: The Word “Autistic” Is First Used
Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler uses the term autistic—from the Greek autos (self)—to describe withdrawal in people with schizophrenia. It had nothing to do with how we define autism today.
🧩 1943: Leo Kanner Describes “Autistic Disturbances”
Dr. Leo Kanner publishes a paper on 11 children with “a powerful desire for aloneness” and “an insistence on sameness.” He basically invents what we now recognize as classic autism.
Important note: He also incorrectly blames “cold, distant” mothers (hello, refrigerator mom theory 😑).
📖 1944: Hans Asperger Publishes His Work in Austria
Almost simultaneously, Hans Asperger describes kids with high intellect, narrow interests, and poor social skills. But his work remains obscure until decades later.
Also: Let’s not ignore the Nazi-adjacent affiliations and eugenics undertones in his legacy. (Yikes.)
📚 1980: Autism Is Added to the DSM (DSM-III)
The American Psychiatric Association finally includes autism as its own diagnosis in the DSM-III. But it’s narrowly defined and often misdiagnosed as childhood schizophrenia.
🔄 1994: Enter Asperger’s Syndrome (DSM-IV)
In DSM-IV, Asperger’s officially gets its own diagnostic code—seen as “autism lite” or “high-functioning autism.”
This created lots of confusion (and elitism) within the autistic community. Many individuals identified as “Aspie”—a label that was both validating and polarizing.
🌀 2013: DSM-5 Unites the Spectrum
The DSM-5 ditches Asperger’s, PDD-NOS, and classic autism in favor of one umbrella diagnosis: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
This shift reflects growing awareness that autism shows up differently in different people—aka, it’s a spectrum, not a box.
🚻 2010s–Present: Gender and Cultural Biases Get Called Out
Historically, autism was diagnosed primarily in white boys. We now know:
Girls mask more, leading to underdiagnosis
BIPOC children are often misdiagnosed or diagnosed later
Autistic traits look different across cultures and contexts
Cue a big reckoning in how we actually identify autism in the real world.
🌈 The Rise of the Neurodiversity Movement
Autistic adults start telling their own stories. The term “neurodivergent” gains traction. The focus shifts from “fixing” autism to understanding and supporting autistic people in a world not built for them.
Language evolves too:
From “person with autism” → to “autistic person” (for many, not all)
From “symptoms” → to “traits”
From “disorder” → to “difference”
It’s less about labels. More about lived experience.
🧠 Where Are We Now?
We understand autism as a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference
Diagnoses are more inclusive—but still not perfect
There’s a push for strength-based assessment, not just deficit hunting
We listen more to autistic voices (finally)
And hopefully, we never go back to blaming moms 😅
❤️ The Takeaway
The history of autism diagnosis is messy, biased, and overdue for justice. But every step forward—every parent who questions, every provider who listens, every advocate who speaks out—gets us closer to understanding autism with compassion and accuracy.
Progress takes time. But it’s happening. 💚
Have questions about autism, evaluations, or navigating diagnosis for your child?
📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466
📧 Email: admin@achievepsychology.org
🌐 Visit: www.achievepsychology.org
Works Cited:
Silberman, S. (2015). NeuroTribes: The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity.
American Psychiatric Association. (1980–2022). DSM-III, DSM-IV, DSM-5.
Kanner, L. (1943). Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact.
Happé, F., & Frith, U. (2020). Annual Review of Psychology: Theory of Mind and Autism.
National Autistic Society. (2023). History of Autism.
Russell, G., et al. (2011). Diagnosing Autism Spectrum Disorders: The Role of Culture and Gender Bias.
ASAN – Autistic Self Advocacy Network. (2022). Language and Identity in the Autism Community.