Autism, 75 years of history: From psychoanalysis to neurobiology

Abstract

In this article we evaluated the lengthy seventy-five year history of Autism Spectrum Disorder beginning with the first diagnosis in 1943 and the first etiological orientations (psychodynamic factors) until today, in which the approach to behavioral problems has increasingly become neurobiological in nature. Abnormal relationships, verbal communication impairments and stereotyped behaviors, are no longer considered the cause of the problem, but rather the manifestation of this problem. Additionally, these factors must not be considered a “problem” and should be viewed as an “adaptation”. In other words, a way through which individuals with different anatomical and functional nervous system give “meanings” to their own bodies and the external world. Subjects with autism have a different connectome. Their neuronal network, under life experiences (learning), has undergone an abnormal selection. In modern words, talking about connectome, could mean direct our attention and studies on the body-brain relationship and chronic inflammation.