Abstract
Kanner and Asperger belong to the first generation of ‘child psychiatrists’ who did research on autism in children. On the basis of their clinical experience as pediatrician they developed diverging theories of autism. There were also similarities: both considered autism an emotional, rather than a cognitive, disorder. The names of Asperger and Kanner are well known in autism research. However, parts of their theories have been forgotten or remained unknown and they are presented here. Both men described a diagnostic process divided in behaviors, personality and development. In addition, they had ideas about psychotherapy, in which a good match with the individual child was central. Even though these are classical theories, from a time in which there was no empirical research on autism yet, they can still be inspiring.
| Translated title of the contribution | A holistic look at autism: the classical theories of Asperger and Kanner |
|---|---|
| Original language | Dutch |
| Pages (from-to) | 454-467 |
| Number of pages | 14 |
| Journal | Tijdschrift voor Psychotherapie |
| Volume | 48 |
| Issue number | 6 |
| Publication status | Published - 2022 |
Keywords
- Autism spectrum disorder
- History of psychiatry