Schizophrenic autism. 1. Historical evolution and perspectives.

Cardinal importance has often been attached to the term 'autism' within the scope of schizophrenic symptomatology since its introduction by E. Bleuler in 1911. However, this term has been used purely intuitively in most cases, giving rise to a great deal of speculation about autism and its role within different psychiatric disorders, speculation which could not then be examined empirically for lack of intersubjective definition. This article reviews and examines the historical concept of autism, and finally makes and discusses proposals for future perspectives on autism.