Leo Kanner

Leo Kanner was an Austrian-American psychiatrist who is best known for his pioneering work in the field of autism. In 1943, he published a groundbreaking paper that detailed a group of children exhibiting distinct behaviors, marking the first formal identification of what we now call autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Kanner emphasized characteristics such as difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. His research laid the foundation for understanding autism, influencing how it is diagnosed and treated, and highlighting the importance of early intervention for affected individuals.