ERIC Number: ED215527
Record Type: RIE
Publication Date: 1981-Aug-21
Pages: 29
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
The Organic Etiology of Infantile Autism: Myth or Fact?
Sanua, Victor D.
The author reviews theories and research on the etiology of infantile autism, specifically regarding its organic basis. He cites controversies over its organic vs. environmental basis and over the family's impact on autism. Quotes from such theoriests as L. Kanner, B. Bettleheim, and B. Rimland are presented along with E. R. Ritvo and M. Coleman. The author asserts that statements attributing autism to organic factors are without empirical basis. Similarly, theories about the socioeconomic status (SES) of parents of autistic children are considered, and the findings of the author's own research are offered as evidence that there appears to be a link between parents' upper SES and incidence of autism in their children. Alternative theories, such as those of M. Rutter who propose that autism is some type of cognitive deficit, are reviewed. (CL)
Descriptors: Autism, Biological Influences, Etiology, Parent Influence, Socioeconomic Status, Theories
Publication Type: Speeches/Meeting Papers; Information Analyses; Opinion Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Note: Paper presented at the Annual Convention of the International Council of Psychologists (39th, Los Angeles, CA, August 21, 1981).
