Asperger’s Syndrome Bomb – ASD – ASC

The children’s clinic where Hans Asperger worked, located in Vienna, was bombed by Allied troops during World War II. This bombing resulted in the destruction of much of Asperger’s early work and the death of Sister Viktorine Zak, who co-founded a school for children with Asperger near the end of the war

Hans Asperger (1906–1980) was an Austrian physician and pediatrician who made significant contributions to the understanding of autism. His work, though initially less known outside of German-speaking countries, gained international recognition in the 1980s and 1990s. Here is a detailed history of his contributions and the subsequent developments:

Early Career and Research

• 1938: Asperger first described a group of children with distinct psychological characteristics, which he termed “autistic psychopaths” in a paper titled “The Mentally Abnormal Child.” This work predated Leo Kanner’s 1943 paper on autism by several years.
• 1944: Asperger published a comprehensive study on “autistic psychopathy” in his postdoctoral thesis, “Die ‘Autistischen Psychopathen’ im Kindesalter.” This work detailed the characteristics of children with autism, including their social and communication difficulties, and their intense focus on specific interests.

Key Concepts and Contributions

• Autistic Psychopathy: Asperger described children with autism as having a “lack of empathy, little ability to form friendships, one-sided conversation, intense absorption in a special interest, and clumsy movements.” He referred to these children as “little professors” due to their ability to talk about their favorite subjects in great detail.
• Gender and Intelligence: Asperger believed that autism could be present in both highly intelligent children and those with mental retardation. He also noted a gender gap, suggesting that “the autistic personality is an extreme variant of male intelligence,” with boys more frequently displaying autistic traits.
• Positive Outlook: Unlike Leo Kanner, who often described autism in more negative terms, Asperger had a more positive outlook. He believed that many children with autism would use their special talents in adulthood. For example, he followed one child, Fritz V., who later became a professor of astronomy and solved an error in Newton’s work.

International Recognition

• 1980s: Asperger’s work gained international recognition, largely due to the efforts of British researchers Uta Frith and Lorna Wing. Frith translated Asperger’s 1944 paper into English in 1991, and Wing introduced the term “Asperger’s Syndrome” in her 1981 paper, “Asperger’s syndrome: a clinical account”.
• 1992-1994: Asperger’s Syndrome was officially recognized and included in the 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) and the 4th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

Controversies and Revisions

• Nazi Collaboration: In the late 2010s, new research by Edith Scheffer and Herwig Czech revealed that Asperger had collaborated with the Nazi regime. He referred children to the Am Spiegelgrund clinic in Vienna, where hundreds of disabled children were murdered as part of the Third Reich’s euthanasia programs. This has led to significant controversy and reevaluation of his legacy.
• Retirement of the Term: Due to these revelations, the term “Asperger’s Syndrome” has been retired in recent diagnostic manuals. It was removed from the DSM-5 in 2013 and the ICD-11 in 2019, and is now considered part of the broader autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Legacy and Impact

• Continued Use: Despite the retirement of the term, some individuals who received a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome continue to use it to describe themselves, often because it forms an important part of their identity.
• Research and Advocacy: Asperger’s work laid the foundation for modern autism research and advocacy. His emphasis on the strengths and potential of individuals with autism has influenced contemporary approaches to autism spectrum disorders.

References

• Johann Friedrich Karl Asperger: Austrian physician and autism researcher.
• Hans Asperger, National Socialism, and “race hygiene” in Nazi-era Vienna.
• Asperger syndrome (Asperger’s): History and controversy.
• Hans Asperger, National Socialism, and “race hygiene” in Nazi-era Vienna.
• Hans Asperger, 1906-1980: Career and contributions.
• Hans Asperger – Definition – Autism independent UK.

As of 2025, the current perception is that Asperger’s syndrome is no longer considered a separate condition but is instead part of the broader diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This change reflects a more nuanced understanding of the spectrum of autism, where individuals can exhibit a wide range of symptoms and abilities.

Key Points:

• Diagnostic Changes: In 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) reclassified Asperger’s syndrome under the broader category of ASD This means that clinicians no longer diagnose individuals with Asperger’s syndrome as a distinct condition.
• Symptom Overlap: Both ASD and what was previously known as Asperger’s syndrome share core symptoms, including difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors However, individuals who might have been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome typically exhibit milder symptoms and often have average or above-average intelligence and no significant language delays
• Terminology: While the term “Asperger’s syndrome” is no longer used in clinical diagnoses, it is still commonly used by some individuals and communities to describe their experiences This can be particularly true for those who received a diagnosis before the DSM-5 changes.
• Support and Treatment: The focus on ASD as a spectrum highlights the importance of individualized support and treatment plans. Early intervention and therapies, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA), are crucial for helping individuals develop necessary life skills and improve social integration
• Awareness and Advocacy: There is a growing awareness and advocacy for individuals on the autism spectrum, including those who might have been diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. Many individuals and organizations are working to raise awareness and provide support for the diverse needs of people with ASD

In summary, the current perception is that Asperger’s syndrome is now understood as a part of the autism spectrum disorder, reflecting a more inclusive and nuanced approach to diagnosing and supporting individuals with autism.

The transition from Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and then to Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) in diagnostic manuals reflects a evolving understanding of autism and the need for a more inclusive and accurate classification.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the reasons for these changes:

DSM-IV to DSM-5: From Asperger’s Syndrome to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

DSM-IV (1994)

• Asperger’s Syndrome: In the DSM-IV, Asperger’s Syndrome was listed as a distinct diagnostic category under the broader category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). It was characterized by:
• Impaired social interaction.
• Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.
• Absence of significant language delays.
• No clinically significant cognitive or language delays.

DSM-5 (2013)

• Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): The DSM-5 introduced a single diagnostic category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which subsumed Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD-NOS (Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified), and other related diagnoses.
• Reasons for the Change:
• Spectrum Concept: The change recognized that autism is a spectrum of conditions with a wide range of symptoms and abilities, rather than a set of distinct disorders. This approach allows for a more nuanced and flexible diagnosis.
• Consistency and Clarity: The previous diagnostic categories often led to inconsistent diagnoses and confusion among clinicians. The single category of ASD provides a clearer and more consistent framework for diagnosis.
• Research Evidence: Research showed that there was significant overlap in the symptoms and characteristics of individuals previously diagnosed with different PDD subtypes, suggesting that they were part of a single spectrum.
• Treatment and Services: A unified diagnosis can facilitate access to appropriate treatments and services, as it reduces the likelihood of individuals falling through the cracks due to slight variations in their symptoms.

From ASD to ASC: A Shift in Terminology

Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC)

• Terminology Change: In some contexts, particularly in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe, the term “Autism Spectrum Condition” (ASC) is used instead of “Autism Spectrum Disorder” (ASD).
• Reasons for the Change:
• Positive Framing: The term “condition” is sometimes preferred over “disorder” because it is perceived as less stigmatizing. It emphasizes that autism is a lifelong condition that affects individuals in various ways, rather than a disorder that needs to be cured.
• Identity and Advocacy: Many individuals with autism and their advocates prefer the term “condition” as it aligns with the neurodiversity movement, which promotes the idea that autism is a natural variation in human neurology.
• Broader Acceptance: The term “condition” is more widely accepted in certain communities and can help reduce the stigma associated with autism, making it easier for individuals to discuss their experiences and seek support.

Summary

• DSM-IV to DSM-5: The change from Asperger’s Syndrome to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the DSM-5 was driven by the need for a more inclusive and accurate diagnostic framework, reflecting the spectrum nature of autism and reducing diagnostic inconsistency.
• ASD to ASC: The shift from ASD to ASC in some contexts is primarily about terminology, aiming to use a less stigmatizing term that aligns with the neurodiversity perspective and promotes a more positive and accepting view of autism.

References

• [1] American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing.
• [2] Wing, L. (1981). Asperger’s syndrome: A clinical account. Psychological Medicine, 11(1), 115-129.
• [3] Frith, U. (1991). Asperger and His Syndrome. In U. Frith (Ed.), Autism and Asperger Syndrome (pp. 1-36). Cambridge University Press.
• [4] Baron-Cohen, S., Jolliffe, T., Mortimore, C., & Robertson, C. (1997). Another advanced test of theory of mind: Evidence from very high functioning adults with autism or Asperger syndrome. Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 38(7), 813-822.
• [5] Scheffer, E. (2018). Asperger’s Children: The Origins of Autism in Nazi Vienna. W. W. Norton & Company.
• [6] Czech, H. (2018

The bombing of the site where Hans Asperger worked, specifically the Heilpadagogikum in Vienna, was part of the broader Allied bombing campaign during World War II, which targeted various strategic and civilian locations in Nazi-occupied Europe. Here are the key reasons for the bombing:

Strategic and Military Objectives

1. Disruption of Nazi Infrastructure: The Allies aimed to disrupt and destroy Nazi infrastructure, including factories, transportation hubs, and military installations. This was part of a broader strategy to weaken the Nazi war effort and hasten the end of the war.
2. Civilian Targets: While the primary targets were military and industrial sites, many civilian areas were also bombed, often as a result of the imprecision of aerial bombing technology at the time. The Heilpadagogikum, being located in Vienna, was not specifically targeted but was likely affected due to its proximity to other strategic targets.

Impact on the Heilpadagogikum

• Destruction of Records: The bombing of the Heilpadagogikum in 1944 resulted in the destruction of much of Asperger’s early work and records. This loss of documentation has had significant implications for the historical understanding of his research and contributions.
• Personal Impact: The bombing also had a personal impact on Asperger and his colleagues, affecting their work and the children under their care. Sister Viktorine Zak, a co-founder of a school for children with Asperger, was killed in the bombing [3].

Context of the Bombing Campaign

• Vienna as a Target: Vienna, as a major city under Nazi control, was a significant target for Allied bombing raids. The city was home to numerous military and industrial facilities, as well as transportation networks that were crucial to the Nazi war effort.
• Humanitarian Concerns: Despite the strategic importance of these targets, the bombing of civilian areas led to significant loss of life and destruction of property. The ethical and humanitarian implications of these actions have been the subject of ongoing debate and historical analysis.

References

• [1] Czech, H. (2018). Hans Asperger, National Socialism, and ‘Race Hygiene’ in Nazi-era Vienna. Molecular Autism, 9(29).
• [2] Sheffer, E. (2018). Asperger’s Children: The Origins of Autism in Nazi Vienna. W. W. Norton & Company.
• [3] Frith, U. (1991). Asperger and His Syndrome. In U. Frith (Ed.), Autism and Asperger Syndrome (pp. 1-36). Cambridge University Press.

The bombing of the Heilpadagogikum was a tragic consequence of the broader Allied bombing campaign, which was aimed at weakening the Nazi regime and bringing an end to World War II.