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Asperger’s colleague Erwin Jekelius, who during the Nazi period became director of the Spiegelgrund child “euthanasia” clinic and coordinator of the “T4” killing program in Vienna (DÖW)
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Background
Hans Asperger (1906–1980) first designated a group of children with distinct psychological characteristics as ‘autistic psychopaths’ in 1938, several years before Leo Kanner’s famous 1943 paper on autism. In 1944, Asperger published a comprehensive study on the topic (submitted to Vienna University in 1942 as his postdoctoral thesis), wh...
Citations
... Finally, the term Asperger's is now considered controversial due to the uncovering of the history of the Austrian psychiatrist Hans Asperger, who the disorder is named after (Czech, 2018). People who have identified with a diagnosis of Asperger's throughout their life may now find the revelations about Hans Asperger upsetting and choose to identify as autistic, despite their previous diagnosis. ...
... (www.preprints.org) | NOT PEER-REVIEWED | Posted: 31 October 2024 doi:10.20944/preprints202410.2573.v1 2 possessing average intelligence and language development [1]. Rather than being considered a separate disorder, AS is regarded as a variant within the broader category of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). ...
Background/Objectives: Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder within the autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Difficulties in social and communication skills characterise it despite individuals typically having average intelligence and language development. Improving socialisation skills in individuals with ASD requires a tailored approach that addresses their specific needs and encompasses a range of targeted strategies. This study investigates the effectiveness of a structured social skills training programme for adolescents and young adults with AS; Methods: Patients diagnosed with AS, irrespective of gender, were consecutively recruited from an outpatient clinic. The programme consisted of activities within the Social Skills, Autonomy, and Awareness module, designed for adolescent and young adult groups, conducted fortnightly, with sessions lasting between 1.5 to 3 hours each over 17 months. The Vineland Adaptive Behaviour Scales (VABS) assessed adaptive behaviour at enrolment and upon intervention completion. Data were statistically analysed using SPSS version 22.0 for Windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL). Statistical analysis included automatic clustering, employing the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC) to determine the optimal number of clusters within the dataset. The Pearson Chi-square and Fisher's exact tests were applied to assess whether variable distributions among the clusters differed significantly; Results: Thirty-one individuals (77.4% female) with AS participated in the study, with a mean age of 20.1 years (SD 7.0). The TwoStep algorithm identified two distinct clusters. The mean age at enrolment was significantly higher in Cluster 1 (n. 8) than in Cluster 2 (n. 23; p = 0.005). Additionally, the mean enrolment score on the Vineland II socialisation scale was significantly higher in Cluster 1 (93.9; SD 5.7) compared to Cluster 2 (49.0, SD 18.2; p < 0.001). At follow-up, the mean scores for both Cluster 1 (104.6, SD 13.3) and Cluster 2 (57.8, SD 18.0) showed significant increases (p < 0.05), with over 50% of participants demonstrating improvement in social skills; Conclusions: This study highlights distinct profiles among individuals with AS, revealing a clear association between age and social skills development. The intervention effectively enhanced social skills in most participants, regardless of the age at which treatment commenced. For some individuals, alternative or enhanced treatment options may be considered to achieve optimal outcomes.
... Klasyfikacja miała często przypadkowy i niejednoznaczny charakter. Prześladowaniem objęto na przykład osobników "aspołecznych" i "obiboków" (czyli przestępców, bezrobotnych, bezdomnych, alkoholików prostytutki), homoseksualistów, przeciwników politycznych (zwłaszcza socjalistów i komunistów), a także dysydentów religijnych"( takich jak Świadkowie Jehowy) 12 . W takich warunkach społecznych i ideologicznych funkcjonował jako psychiatra Hans Asperger. ...
Aim: The aim of the publication is to attempt to transpose the medical dimensions of the problem into pedagogy, with the contemporary idea of social and educational inclusion. It is an attempt to point out the consequences of scientific research, which is often in conflict with fundamental moral rights, including the right to life. Methods: The article uses an extensive literature query and an analytical-synthetic method. It leads to an interdisciplinary exploration of the topic, taking into account its pedagogical character. Results: The theoretical analysis of the topic, socio-historical, medical and pedagogical threads show the multidimensionality of autism and disability - in the broad sense of the word - as a significant problem in contemporary education. Conclusion: The intention of the undertaken analyses is to indicate the significance of ethics and moral laws in education and social practice - in its various dimensions. Civilization must move toward the defense of life, not death, for the sake of human perfection. Originality: The article presents the socio-historical background of autism and Hans Asperger's research. It indicates the contemporary implications of medical and ideological assumptions in pedagogy and work with people with disabilities in the context of the value of life and the need to defend it. Keywords: Asperger, Asperger's syndrome, autism, therapeutic pedagogy, education, moral law, ideology, sociocultural context, ethics in education, eugenics
... For example, "Asperger's syndrome" is no longer considered a medical diagnosis but instead falls within the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Further, it is not favored by those in the neurodiversity movement due to its associations with Nazi eugenics and pathologization (Czech, 2018). The term often appeared alongside other descriptors such as "high functioning," a label that can be a detrimental oversimplification of the individuality, complexity, and broad array of needs and differences that autistic individuals may have (Kapp, 2023). ...
This study considers how the U.S. news media frame the neurodiversity movement
and individuals who are either diagnosed or self-identify as neurodivergent. We used content analysis to examine 354 news articles. Results showed increased coverage of neurodiversity and neurodivergent individuals from 2016 to 2022. Key findings include an increase in calls for representation, advocacy, and the recognition of neurodiversity as a different neurotype rather than a condition to be cured, as well as more diverse voices represented in the media coverage, a diversification of topics covered relating to neurodiversity, and a continued focus on autism in media discourse.
... Ce concept de TSA est repris dans la CIM-11 qui va remplacer en 2022 la CIM-10 (WHO, 1993), encore en usage en France. La seconde raison tient au fait que ce syndrome est lié à sa description par Hans Asperger, un pédiatre viennois qui a activement collaboré à l'idéologie nazie du IIIe Reich en étant l'un des acteurs de la politique d'épuration ethnique (ou « hygiène raciale ») (Czech, 2018). Ce faisant, nous ne voulons pas participer à la culture de l'effacement, mais laisser ce nom aux livres d'histoire et aux historiens de la médecine. ...
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International audience
Ce Rapport scientifique intitulé Bénéfices de la musicothérapie pour les personnes ayant des troubles du spectre de l’autisme visait à analyser une partie de la vaste littérature sur la musicothérapie pour les enfants/adolescents et les adultes atteints de troubles du spectre de l’autisme depuis les années 1950, avec un accent particulier sur les études utilisant des procédures contrôlées publiées entre 2008 et 2020. Nous avons recherché les articles en français et en anglais sur PubMed, Psycinfo, ProQuest, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Journal of Music Therapy avec les mots clés "autism ", "autism spectrum disorder", "music therapy", "children", "adolescents", "adults". Nous avons trouvé environ 150 articles, parmi lesquels nous avons sélectionné 1) des études contrôlées et/ou randomisées de niveau de preuve suffisant publiées entre 2006 et 2020), 2) des méta-analyses et des revues antérieures sur la MT avec les enfants TSA, 3) quelques études de cas uniques ou multiples bien documentées avec des adultes TSA, et 4) des études bien menées lorsqu'elles apportent un éclairage significatif sur le fonctionnement sensori-moteur, émotionnel et cognitif des enfants TSA en lien avec la musique. Un nombre croissant d'études réalisées au cours des deux dernières décennies ont montré que la MT traite et améliore les troubles primaires des enfants et adultes atteints de TSA, c'est-à-dire leurs difficultés de communication et d'interaction sociales, ainsi que des troubles secondaires (stress, anxiété, troubles de l'humeur, comportements inappropriés).Bien que le niveau de preuve de l'efficacité de la MT pour les enfants atteints de TSA soit encore faible à modéré (à l'exception d'une étude ayant un niveau de preuve élevé), elle est supérieure à celle de toutes les autres interventions thérapeutiques pour cette population, et aucun effet secondaire n'a été observé jusqu'à présent avec la MT. Malgré le très petit nombre d'études menées à l'âge adulte, des résultats encourageants ont été observés chez des adultes atteints de TSA, avec ou sans déficience intellectuelle associée. La MT devrait d’ores et déjà être considérée comme une thérapie à part entière pour les enfants/adolescents avec TSA, utilisant la musique comme un outil de médiation, de communication et d’interaction alternatif et augmentatif, avec des effets probants de réduction des troubles émotionnels et comportementaux.Ce rapport pourrait contribuer à combler le fossé entre la science et la pratique dans le domaine de la musicothérapie pour la population atteinte de TSA, en France et ailleurs. Les futures recommandations de bonnes pratiques devraient intégrer l'utilisation de la musicothérapie auprès des enfants atteints de TSA. D’autres études sont nécessaires pour les adultes.
This Scientific Report entitled Benefits of music therapy for people with autism spectrum disorders aimed to analyze some of the vast literature on music therapy for children/adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders since the 1950s, with a particular focus on studies using controlled procedures published between 2008 and 2020. We searched for articles in French and English on PubMed, Psycinfo, ProQuest, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Journal of Music Therapy with the keywords "autism", "autism spectrum disorder", "music therapy", "children", "adolescents", "adults". We found around 150 articles, from which we selected 1) controlled and/or randomized studies of sufficient level of evidence published between 2006 and 2020), 2) meta-analyses and previous reviews on MT with ASD children, 3) a few well-documented single or multiple case studies with ASD adults, and 4) well-conducted studies when they shed significant light on the sensory-motor, emotional and cognitive functioning of ASD children in relation to music.A growing number of studies carried out over the past two decades have shown that music therapy (MT) treats and improves the primary disorders of children and adults with ASD, i.e. their difficulties with social communication and interaction, as well as secondary disorders (stress, anxiety, mood disorders, inappropriate behavior).Although the level of evidence for the efficacy of MT for children with ASD is still low to moderate (with the exception of one study with a high level of evidence), it is superior to that of all other therapeutic interventions for this population, and no side effects have so far been observed with MT. Despite the very small number of studies conducted in adulthood, encouraging results have been observed in adults with ASD.MT should already be considered a therapy in its own right, using music as an alternative and augmentative tool for mediation, communication and interaction, with convincing effects in reducing emotional and behavioral disorders in the ASD population.This report could help to bridge the gap between science and practice in the field of music therapy for the ASD population, in France and elsewhere. Future recommendations for good practice should incorporate the use of music therapy with children with ASD. Further studies are needed for adults.
... In the article by Czech (2018) entitled 'Hans Asperger, National Socialism, and "race hygiene" in Nazi-era Vienna', the author argues that Hans Asperger was not a staunch opponent of National Socialism, contrary to long-standing beliefs. Drawing on contemporary publications and archival documents, Czech suggests that Asperger accepted the Nazi regime and was affiliated with organizations linked to the German National Socialist Workers' Party (but not the Nazi Party itself); he also publicly supported policies promoting 'racial purity', including forced sterilizations, and actively participated in the child euthanasia programme. ...
After his 1944 thesis, Asperger continued to write about autism, but none of these texts have been translated. At a time when autism spectrum disorder faces many challenges (e.g. the nature and measurement of autism), this text tells us more about the particular population that Asperger worked with. He describes sensitive, intelligent, creative and rational children, a far cry from the Wing triad. Moreover, ‘Asperger’s Syndrome’ was introduced after he had died, was included in the DSM-IV in 1994 and was omitted from the DSM-5 in 2013. The question posed by this last text, written before his death, is whether Asperger’s descriptions of autistic children are really part of the autism spectrum disorder or whether they are outside the pathological field.
... Ce concept de TSA est repris dans la CIM-11 qui va remplacer en 2022 la CIM-10 (WHO, 1993), encore en usage en France. La seconde raison tient au fait que ce syndrome est lié à sa description par Hans Asperger, un pédiatre viennois qui a activement collaboré à l'idéologie nazie du IIIe Reich en étant l'un des acteurs de la politique d'épuration ethnique (ou « hygiène raciale ») (Czech, 2018). Ce faisant, nous ne voulons pas participer à la culture de l'effacement, mais laisser ce nom aux livres d'histoire et aux historiens de la médecine. ...
Ce Rapport scientifique intitulé Bénéfices de la musicothérapie pour les personnes ayant des troubles du spectre de l'autisme visait à analyser une partie de la vaste littérature sur la musicothérapie pour les enfants/adolescents et les adultes atteints de troubles du spectre de l'autisme depuis les années 1950, avec un accent particulier sur les études utilisant des procédures contrôlées publiées entre 2008 et 2020. Nous avons recherché les articles en français et en anglais sur PubMed, Psycinfo, ProQuest, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Journal of Music Therapy avec les mots clés "autism ", "autism spectrum disorder", "music therapy", "children", "adolescents", "adults". Nous avons trouvé environ 150 articles, parmi lesquels nous avons sélectionné 1) des études contrôlées et/ou randomisées de niveau de preuve suffisant publiées entre 2006 et 2020), 2) des méta-analyses et des revues antérieures sur la MT avec les enfants TSA, 3) quelques études de cas uniques ou multiples bien documentées avec des adultes TSA, et 4) des études bien menées lorsqu'elles apportent un éclairage significatif sur le fonctionnement sensori-moteur, émotionnel et cognitif des enfants TSA en lien avec la musique. Un nombre croissant d'études réalisées au cours des deux dernières décennies ont montré que la MT traite et améliore les troubles primaires des enfants et adultes atteints de TSA, c'est-à-dire leurs difficultés de communication et d'interaction sociales, ainsi que des troubles secondaires (stress, anxiété, troubles de l'humeur, comportements inappropriés). Bien que le niveau de preuve de l'efficacité de la MT pour les enfants atteints de TSA soit encore faible à modéré (à l'exception d'une étude ayant un niveau de preuve élevé), elle est supérieure à celle de toutes les autres interventions thérapeutiques pour cette population, et aucun effet secondaire n'a été observé jusqu'à présent avec la MT. Malgré le très petit nombre d'études menées à l'âge adulte, des résultats encourageants ont été observés chez des adultes atteints de TSA, avec ou sans déficience intellectuelle associée. La MT devrait d'ores et déjà être considérée comme une thérapie à part entière pour les enfants/adolescents avec TSA, utilisant la musique comme un outil de médiation, de communication et d'interaction alternatif et augmentatif, avec des effets probants de réduction des troubles émotionnels et comportementaux. Ce rapport pourrait contribuer à combler le fossé entre la science et la pratique dans le domaine de la musicothérapie pour la population atteinte de TSA, en France et ailleurs. Les futures recommandations de bonnes pratiques devraient intégrer l'utilisation de la musicothérapie auprès des enfants atteints de TSA. D'autres études sont nécessaires pour les adultes. Abstract This Scientific Report entitled Benefits of music therapy for people with autism spectrum disorders aimed to analyze some of the vast literature on music therapy for children/adolescents and adults with autism spectrum disorders since the 1950s, with a particular focus on studies using controlled procedures published between 2008 and 2020. We searched for articles in French and English on PubMed, Psycinfo, ProQuest, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Journal of Music Therapy with the keywords "autism", "autism spectrum disorder", "music therapy", "children", "adolescents", "adults". We found around 150 articles, from which we selected 1) controlled and/or randomized studies of sufficient level of evidence published between 2006 and 2020), 2) meta-analyses and previous reviews on MT with ASD children, 3) a few well-documented single or multiple case studies with ASD adults, and 4) well-conducted studies when they shed significant light on the sensory-motor, emotional and cognitive functioning of ASD children in relation to music. A growing number of studies carried out over the past two decades have shown that music therapy (MT) treats and improves the primary disorders of children and adults with ASD, i.e. their difficulties with social communication and interaction, as well as secondary disorders (stress, anxiety, mood disorders, inappropriate behavior).
... Comme déjà expliqué précédemment[1], nous ne ferons plus référence au « Syndrome d'Asperger » (SA) et lui préférerons les termes de TSA léger sans déficience intellectuelle associée (SDI), d'une part en raison de sa disparition de la nomenclature médicale américaine[2] et internationale (CIM-11), mais aussi en raison de la collaboration active de Hans Asperger, pédiatre viennois, à l'idéologie nazie conduisant à l'épuration ethnique des enfants « inéducables » sous le IIIe Reich[3]. Ce faisant, nous ne voulons pas participer à la culture de l'effacement, mais laisser ce nom aux historiens de la médecine. ...
... This has changed the way autism has been seen ever since. It is unclear why the paper took so long to be translated, but Asperger had been involved in Nazi human [105]. Another reason was that it had emerged that two of Asperger's collaborators had gone to work with Kanner as early as 1938 and assisted with the research, which questioned the originality of the preeminent child psychiatrist of the time. ...
A review of the past one hundred and fifty years of child and adolescent mental health practice, in five three-decade periods, is presented to background the upcoming developments in this century, while also documenting what has been of value as the field moves forward. There has been much loss of corporate memory as we have moved into the Twenty-First Century. Professional amnesia is a condition with grave consequences. The final list of twenty lessons provide a view as to how these lessons can be absorbed into clinical training and into clinical practice. This summary is necessarily brief, but the references will provoke enquiry and the learning of old ideas.
... Eugenic responses to disability would be difficult to promote or sustain without the medical model framing of disabled lives as abnormal, pitiable, and not worth living. For example, the medical model is frequently blamed for both the Nazi genocide of disabled people during the Holocaust and the forced sterilization of the disabled in the United States that continued into the 1970s, eugenic atrocities that were carried out by licensed and lauded medical professionals (Czech 2018;Hubbard 2013;Klein 2012;Mitchell and Snyder 2003;Stubblefield 2007). The Supreme Court of the United States upheld the legality of forced sterilization of disabled people in 1927, a decision that has never been challenged or overturned (Buck v. Bell). ...
