“We never had those types of things when I was growing up.”
We all hear it time and time again, that “this diagnosis” or “that behavior” wasn’t a thing back in the ‘good ole days.’ We hear it A LOT in the Autism world!
Autism was originally referred to, in the 1940’s, as a child-like version of schizophrenia and the result of “cold parenting,” a type of parenting that is categorized by the indifference of parents taking little interest in their children or activities.
As research evolved, into the 60’ and 70’s, it was noted that autism had biological connections and was rooted in brain development, becoming a developmental disorder versus a psychological condition. Now, what we know as autism today, has been dubbed “pervasive developmental disorder.”
It was not until 1980 that autism became its own diagnosis in the DSM (diagnostic manual) III. The initial diagnosis was defined by three essential features:
- A lack of interest in people.
- Severe impairments in communication.
- Bizarre responses to the environment
– all developing within the first 30 months of life.
This very brief definition lasted until 1987 when the DSM (diagnostic manual) was updated. It was then updated again in 1994. However, 2000 was the FIRST time that autism was categorized as a spectrum. In May 2018, autism as we know it today, Autism Spectrum Disorder, with 3 levels of categorization.
The number of children who are diagnosed with autism is now roughly 1 in 44, however, that is not due to a strange apocalyptic event resulting in children having autism. It is in the evolution of the diagnostics and the sciences that allow for us to recognize and more accurately diagnose.
So, the facts are, you are right–you did not have “autism” growing up because for a lot of us, born before the 1980’s, it simply did not exist in the form that it does today. HOWEVER, that does not mean there weren’t individuals who went undiagnosed or misdiagnosed.
The focus of autism and its treatment has changed drastically over the last 40 years, but the amazingly wonderful individuals that encompass this particular diagnosis have been around far longer than the diagnostic restrictions.
Alyssa Hennings, MA, LMHC
CEO of Life Connections
Because Life is All About Connections
Life Connections provides in-home Behavioral Health Intervention services, Therapy services, autism (ABA) services and Children’s Mental Health waiver services in our 13 office locations and approved schools across Iowa. Life Connections was founded in March of 2009 with the intent to serve the children and families of Cedar Rapids and surrounding cities.
Life Connections is a highly professional and caring counseling and behavioral health provider. We offer a wide array of services to treat mental health issues including Applied Behavior Analysis Services, Behavioral Health Intervention Services, mental health therapy, school-based therapy programs, and substance use treatment.
For more information, please call 319-409-6922.
Resources:
- National Suicide Prevention Hotline 800-273-8255
- Crisis Text line text to 741741
- The Trevor Project – for LGBTQ+ young adult community 866-488-7386
- Rape, Abuse, and Incest National Network 800-656-4673
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