EXCLUSIV Why didn't we hear about Asperger's in our grandparents' time? Dr. Ioana Georgescu: "In the past, people stigmatized and marginalized individuals with atypical behaviors"

"The lack of recognition of Asperger's syndrome in the past is due to a mix of historical, cultural, and scientific factors.

The term 'Asperger's syndrome' was introduced relatively recently in psychiatry textbooks - in the 1990s; until then, the diagnostic criteria were not well-defined", explained Dr. Ioana Georgescu.

"In the past, the characteristics of the condition were misinterpreted or associated with other diseases, and people in general stigmatized and marginalized individuals with atypical or unusual behaviors", added the pediatric psychiatry specialist.

Asperger | What are the real causes of this syndrome in children? Dr. Ioana Georgescu: "There are many interesting theories about the onset of the disease!"

Dr. Ioana Georgescu: "In the past, the focus was more on childhood disorders"

Asperger's syndrome is often diagnosed later in life compared to other forms of autism spectrum disorders.

"In the past, the focus was more on childhood disorders, such as classic infantile autism, and children with more subtle traits of Asperger's might have gone unnoticed or not received a correct diagnosis", continued Dr. Georgescu.

This was largely due to the lack of knowledge and awareness of the syndrome during that time.

Asperger | Key symptoms parents should look for in a child from the age of 2! Dr. Ioana Georgescu: "They are very socially naive!"

Another important factor: increased accessibility to medical care

In recent decades, education and research in the field of autism spectrum disorders have seen significant progress.

"Better education, research, and awareness in recent decades have significantly contributed to the recognition and understanding of this condition", emphasized Dr. Georgescu. This progress has facilitated the correct and early diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome, thus providing affected individuals and their families access to necessary support and resources.

Another important factor mentioned by Dr. Ioana Georgescu is the increased accessibility to medical care. In the past, people were less inclined to consult specialists for behavioral or developmental issues, often preferring to ignore or minimize these difficulties. Nowadays, there is greater openness and recognition of the importance of early interventions, leading to more effective diagnosis and treatment.

"Does the child develop Asperger's from the vaccine?" Dr. Ioana Georgescu: "The myth that vaccines cause autism originates from a study published in 1998"