The book Neurotribes – The Legacy of Autism and the Future of Neurodiversity by Steve Silberman has formed the backbone of this history. He starts with Henry Cavendish and continues through to about 2015, giving an excellent chronicle of the entire spectrum of autism with special reference to high-functioning Asperger’s people.
I have plagiarized Mr. Silberman heavily, abstracting some, reorganizing some but often writing verbatim what he has written. I am very indebted to him.
Sir Isaac Newton
Henry Cavendish & Paul Dirac
Donald Triplett
Leo Kanner & Hans Asperger
Hugo Gernsback & Nicola Tesla
Science Fiction & Ham Radio
The Internet
Bernard Rimland, Ole Ivar Lovaas & Autism Associations
Britain – Lorna Wing
The Rain Man Effect
DSM
The Vaccine Wars
Temple Grandin & Oliver Sachs
Jim Sinclair
Asperger’s Since 2000