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A Brief History of Autism

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The Molecular Basis of Autism

Part of the book series: Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience ((CCNE))

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Abstract

In the 70 years that have elapsed since the first description of infantile autism considerable progress has been made. The official recognition of the condition in 1980 stimulated further research and around the same time the strong neurobiological and genetic aspects of autism began to emerge. Subsequent research has focused on issues of early diagnosis and intervention, understanding the neural mechanisms of autism, and approach to treatment. Unfortunately the research base varies considerably by age group with much research on younger individuals and rather little on adults—particularly older adults. Recent changes in diagnostic practice may complicate the interpretation of past, and future, research.

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Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the support of the Simons Foundation, the Associates of the Child Study Center, and the Yale Clinical and Tranlational Science Award (CTSA).

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  1. Child Study Center, Yale University, PO Box 207900, 06520, New Haven, CT, USA

    Fred R. Volkmar M.D.

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  1. Fred R. Volkmar M.D.
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Correspondence to Fred R. Volkmar M.D. .

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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Neuroscience and Pharmacology MMC 392, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA

    S. Hossein Fatemi

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Volkmar, F. (2015). A Brief History of Autism. In: Fatemi, S. (eds) The Molecular Basis of Autism. Contemporary Clinical Neuroscience. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4939-2190-4_1

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