Autism was first described as a distinct condition in 1943, when psychiatrist Leo Kanner published a paper on “early infantile autism.” It became an official diagnosis in major psychiatric manuals in 1980, when “infantile autism” was added to the DSM‑III as a separate disorder from childhood schizophrenia.

Quick Scoop: Key Dates

  • 1911: Swiss psychiatrist Eugen Bleuler uses the word “autism” to describe a symptom pattern within schizophrenia, not a separate condition.
  • 1920s–1930s: Grunya Sukhareva and others publish early clinical descriptions of children with clear autistic traits, though these are not widely recognized at the time.
  • 1943: Leo Kanner publishes a landmark paper on 11 children with “inborn autistic disturbances of affective contact,” establishing autism as a unique childhood condition.
  • 1944: Hans Asperger describes a “milder” form of autism (later called Asperger’s syndrome), mainly in boys with high intelligence and social difficulties.
  • 1960s–1970s: Research begins shifting away from blaming parents (“refrigerator mother” theory) and toward brain development and genetics.
  • 1980: DSM‑III formally lists “infantile autism” as a distinct diagnosis, separating it from childhood schizophrenia and giving specific criteria.
  • 1987–1994: Criteria broaden, Asperger’s syndrome and related conditions (PDD‑NOS, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder) appear as separate categories, and more autistic people, including those with milder traits, begin to be diagnosed.
  • 2013: DSM‑5 merges previous subtypes into one umbrella: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), defined by social‑communication differences and restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior.

So, “When Was Autism Diagnosed?”

If you mean “when did professionals first clearly recognize and describe autism?”:

  • That turning point is 1943, with Leo Kanner’s clinical description of early infantile autism.

If you mean “when did autism become an official psychiatric diagnosis with clear criteria?”:

  • That happens in 1980, when DSM‑III adds “infantile autism” as a formal diagnostic category, distinct from schizophrenia and with defined criteria.

If you mean “when did our modern idea of autism spectrum disorder appear?”:

  • That is 2013, when DSM‑5 consolidates previous subtypes into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and emphasizes a single spectrum of presentations.

Mini Timeline Table (HTML)

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Year What Happened Why It Matters
1911 Bleuler uses the term “autism” for a symptom cluster within schizophrenia.Word “autism” appears, but not yet as its own diagnosis.
1920s–1930s Sukhareva and others describe children with autistic traits.Early but largely overlooked clinical descriptions.
1943 Kanner publishes on “early infantile autism.”Autism framed as a distinct childhood condition.
1944 Asperger describes a “milder” autistic presentation.Introduces the idea of a range of autistic traits.
1960s–1970s Shift toward brain development and genetics, away from “refrigerator mother” theory.Biological and developmental view of autism grows.
1980 DSM‑III adds “infantile autism” as an official diagnosis.Autism formally recognized with diagnostic criteria.
1987–1994 Broader criteria, new subtypes like Asperger’s, PDD‑NOS.More people, including those with milder traits, receive diagnoses.
2013 DSM‑5 introduces Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) umbrella.Modern “spectrum” concept becomes standard.

Today’s Context and Ongoing Discussion

  • Autism is now understood as a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference, not a result of parenting style or emotional trauma.
  • Diagnostic criteria continue to evolve, especially around masking, gender differences, and adult diagnosis, which is a big topic in online forums and newer research.
  • Prevalence estimates have risen over recent decades, in part because of broader criteria, better awareness, and improved screening rather than a simple “increase” in autism itself.

Bottom note: Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.