autism in the united states History Timeline and Biographies

1943

Leo Kanner's Seminal Paper

Leo Kanner, a psychiatrist at Johns Hopkins University, published a paper titled "Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact," which described 11 children with a unique set of behaviors. This paper is considered the first formal description of autism in the United States.

1965

Establishment of the Autism Society of America

The Autism Society of America (ASA) was founded by Bernard Rimland, Ruth C. Sullivan, and others. The organization aimed to increase public awareness about autism and provide information and support to families affected by autism in the United States.

1980

Autism Included in the DSM-III

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition (DSM-III), published by the American Psychiatric Association, included autism as a distinct diagnostic category for the first time. This inclusion helped standardize the diagnosis of autism in the United States.

1990

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was enacted, ensuring that children with disabilities, including autism, have the right to a free and appropriate public education in the United States.

1994

DSM-IV and Autism Spectrum Disorders

The DSM-IV expanded the definition of autism to include a broader range of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD), such as Asperger's Syndrome and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). This change reflected a growing understanding of the diverse presentations of autism in the United States.

2000

Children's Health Act of 2000

The Children's Health Act of 2000 was signed into law, authorizing the establishment of the National Center on Birth Defects and Developmental Disabilities (NCBDDD) at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This act aimed to improve research and public health response related to autism in the United States.

2006

Combating Autism Act

The Combating Autism Act of 2006 was enacted to increase federal funding for autism research, early diagnosis, and treatment. This legislation marked a significant commitment to addressing autism in the United States.

2010

Autism Prevalence Report by CDC

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the prevalence of autism in the United States had increased to 1 in 68 children. This report highlighted the growing recognition and diagnosis of autism.

2013

DSM-5 and Changes to Autism Diagnosis

The DSM-5 was published, merging several diagnoses into the single category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This change aimed to improve diagnostic consistency and better reflect the spectrum nature of autism in the United States.

2014

Autism CARES Act

The Autism Collaboration, Accountability, Research, Education, and Support (CARES) Act was signed into law, reauthorizing and expanding federal support for autism research and services in the United States.

2018

Updated Autism Prevalence Report

The CDC updated its autism prevalence estimate to 1 in 59 children in the United States, reflecting ongoing increases in diagnosis and awareness of autism.

2019

Autism CARES Act Reauthorization

The Autism CARES Act was reauthorized, continuing federal funding for autism research, services, and supports. This act underscored the ongoing commitment to addressing autism in the United States.

2020

National Autism Indicators Report

The A.J. Drexel Autism Institute released the National Autism Indicators Report, providing comprehensive data on the life experiences and outcomes of individuals with autism in the United States.

2021

CDC Report on Autism Prevalence

The CDC reported that the prevalence of autism in the United States had increased to 1 in 54 children, emphasizing the continued rise in autism diagnoses.

2023

Launch of the Autism Data Visualization Tool

The CDC launched the Autism Data Visualization Tool, providing interactive access to data on autism prevalence and characteristics in the United States. This tool aimed to enhance public understanding and research on autism.