ABSTRACT
This chapter presents an overview of how individuals with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have been educated and treated since the late 1700s. How the definition of autism has changed over the years and substantial changes since the diagnosis was first introduced. Clinical cases of individuals with autism, advocacy efforts, litigation, and subsequent legislation that resulted in supports and services, and how people think about autism are presented. The key points for this chapter are: (1) Clinical cases of individuals with autism have been documented since the late 1700s, (2) Autism definitions and diagnostic criteria have evolved, (3) Autism identification, interventions, and treatments have improved over time and are historically based upon psychosocial culture across time, and (4) The evolution of services available for individuals identified with autism has been driven by advocacy efforts, litigation, and subsequent legislation.
