12 autism facts that show how our understanding of the disorder has transformed over the past 76 years
Autism is a developmental condition that can make both verbal and non-verbal communication more difficult.
Psychiatrist Leo Kanner first coined the term “infantile autism” in 1943, but autism symptoms were documented and recognized as far back as the 1700s.
Autism diagnoses are increasing among both boys and girls in the US, but that is not necessarily an indication that autism is “on the rise.” It could just be a condition that is more frequently diagnosed than it used to be.
Everyone with autism is a little different, and symptoms can range from subtle to debilitating. Here’s what to know about the reality of autism, and how it’s actually diagnosed.
