Hans Asperger

Main thing

Hans Asperger was an Austrian physician known for his early studies on atypical neurology in children. He is most recognized for identifying a condition that later became known as Asperger's syndrome, a form of high-functioning autism. Asperger described this syndrome in 1944, presenting case studies about a particularly interesting and highly recognizable type of child. However, his reputation has been marred by revelations of his ties to the genocidal medicine of the German Third Reich. While he did not belong to the Nazi Party, he referred disabled children to a clinic where almost 800 children were murdered between 1940 and 1945 as part of the regime’s euthanasia program. This discovery has provoked debate about the degree of Asperger’s complicity and questions about why his work was brought to wider attention.

Terms

• Asperger's Syndrome - A form of high-functioning autism characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. Example: A child with Asperger's may have trouble understanding social cues and may have a focused interest in a specific topic like trains.

• Third Reich - The Nazi state, led by Adolf Hitler, from 1933 to 1945. Example: During the Third Reich, millions of people were systematically murdered in the Holocaust.

An analogy

Hans Asperger's life and contributions can be likened to those of Fritz Haber, the Nobel Prize-winning chemist. Both men were brilliant in their fields, with Haber inventing the Haber process to synthesize ammonia and Asperger identifying a form of autism. However, both also have controversial histories, with Haber's involvement in chemical warfare during World War I and Asperger's association with the Nazi euthanasia program.

A main misconception

A common misconception is that Hans Asperger was a Nazi due to his work during the Third Reich. While he did work under the regime, there is debate about the extent of his involvement and complicity in the atrocities committed.

The history

1. 1906: Hans Asperger is born in Austria.

2. 1935: Asperger receives his medical degree from the University of Vienna.

3. 1944: Asperger publishes his groundbreaking study on autism.

4. 1940-1945: Asperger refers disabled children to a clinic involved in the Nazi euthanasia program.

5. 1980: Hans Asperger dies.

6. 1981: British psychiatrist Lorna Wing brings Asperger's work to wider attention, popularizing the term "Asperger's syndrome".

"Autistic individuals are capable of developing abilities at a very high level, and their special abilities should be fostered." - Hans Asperger, renowned for his work on autism.

Three cases how to use it right now

1. A teacher with a student who has Asperger's Syndrome can use knowledge of Hans Asperger's work to better understand the student's behavior and learning style.

2. A historian studying the Third Reich can examine Asperger's life and work to gain insight into the complex ethical situations faced by professionals under the Nazi regime.

3. A psychologist or psychiatrist can apply Asperger's findings in diagnosing and treating patients with Asperger's Syndrome.

Interesting facts

• Asperger's Syndrome was not widely recognized until the 1980s, decades after Hans Asperger's original study.

• Asperger himself had traits typical of the syndrome that now bears his name.

• Asperger's work was mostly unknown during his lifetime outside of German-speaking countries.

• Asperger claimed he was persecuted by the Nazis for his opposition to their racial hygiene policies.

• Asperger never mentioned his involvement with the Nazi euthanasia program in his post-war career.