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The aetiology of childhood autism: a criticism of the Tinbergens' ethological theory

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  09 July 2009

Lorna Wing  and
Derek M. Ricks
Lorna Wing*
Affiliation:
MRC Social Psychiatry Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, University of London and Children's Department, Harperbury Hospital, Radlett, Hertfordshire
Derek M. Ricks
Affiliation:
MRC Social Psychiatry Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, University of London and Children's Department, Harperbury Hospital, Radlett, Hertfordshire
*
1Address for correspondence: Dr Lorna Wing, MRC Social Psychiatry Unit, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF.
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Synopsis

Kanner's descriptions of the children showing the abnormal behaviour pattern he observed and named 'early infantile autism’ are summarized. E. A. and N. Tinbergens' ethological theory of the aetiology of this syndrome is outlined and criticized. The major problem in evaluating this theory, apart from the absence of any evidence in its favour, is the lack of precision with which the Tinbergens use the terms ‘autism’ and ‘Kanner's syndrome’.

Type
Research Article
Information
Psychological Medicine , Volume 6 , Issue 4 , February 1977 , pp. 533 - 543
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1977

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