Hans Asperger (theory of child development)

Hans Asperger was an Austrian pediatrician known for identifying a form of autism characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and exceptional skills or interests. His work, in the 1940s, described children who had normal or above-average intelligence but struggled with social cues and developed intense interests in specific topics. This understanding contributed to the concept of Asperger’s syndrome, now considered part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Asperger emphasized the importance of recognizing unique strengths and challenges in children, advocating for tailored support to help them thrive socially and educationally.