Controversial Themes & Issues Surrounding Autism: A Chronological Timeline Analysis

ABSTRACT

The phenomenon of autism, as in known today, has a history with several vicissitudes. Contemporary students and practitioners unconnected with its history are unlikely to see the larger picture. This article seeks to outline the timeline of autism before narrowing it into various controversial themes, unresolved issues, and unanswered questions on autism. The themes revolve around the disputed construct of autism, its meaning, definition, characteristics, theories, and official classifications. Equally debated are matters related to epidemiology, causes, and treatments for autism. There is disagreement whether autism is a disorder or a difference. The claims of freaks, exceptional prodigies, and savants in autism, the role of genetics, notions of posthumous diagnosis, commercialization, and commodification of autism in the media are raised. Raising controversies can lead to constructive discussion or further reflection than attempting to answer them.