Hans Asperger

Hans Asperger was an Austrian pediatrician known for his early research on autism. In the 1940s, he identified a specific group of children who displayed challenges in social interaction and unusual interests, which he termed "autistic psychopathy." His work laid the foundation for what is now known as Asperger syndrome, a form of autism characterized by difficulties in social communication and restricted interests, often with average or above-average intelligence. While his contributions to understanding autism are significant, his association with Nazi policies raises ethical concerns about his legacy. Today, Asperger syndrome is considered part of the broader autism spectrum.