Origins & Early Life

Johann Friedrich Karl Asperger (; German: [ˈhans ˈaspɛɐ̯ɡɐ]; 18 February 1906 – 21 October 1980) was an Austrian physician. He studied atypical neurology, specifically in children, and is the namesake of Asperger syndrome. He wrote more than 300 publications on psychological disorders that posthumously acquired international renown in the 1980s. In the late 2010s he was accused of referring children to the Am Spiegelgrund children's clinic in Vienna during the Nazi period.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

The clinic was responsible for murdering hundreds of disabled children deemed to be "unworthy of life" as part of the Third Reich's child euthanasia programs (as part of the T4 Programme). However, subsequent peer-reviewed studies have concluded that, although it is not possible to determine with certainty what Asperger knew about the infant euthanasia program, he was not directly involved in it, did not violate professional medical ethics and the fatal decisions that led to the deaths of some of his patients were made by other physicians. Historical records indicate that Asperger did not report any children to the Berlin health authorities, despite being legally obliged to do so at the time. Hans...

Enduring Legacy & Impact

The historical impact and works continue to influence the modern world.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• A. J. P. Taylor — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Influential English historian specializing in 19th and 20th-century European diplomacy.
• Ajahn Buddhadasa — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Pioneering Thai Buddhist monk known for reinterpreting doctrine and fostering religious reformation.
• Albert Hofmann — Contemporary (Born in 1906) (1906): Swiss chemist renowned for synthesizing LSD and pioneering psychedelic research.
• Abby Wambach — Contemporary (Born in 1980) (1980): Iconic American soccer forward, celebrated for her goal-scoring prowess and longevity.
• Adande Thorne — Contemporary (Born in 1980) (1980): Trinidadian-American YouTuber, animator, comedian, and actor known as Swoozie.
• Alejo Carpentier — Contemporary (Died in 1980) (1980): Influential Cuban novelist, essayist, and musicologist of the Latin American Boom.
• Alessandro Volta — Shared historical date (02-18 · Born) (1745): Pioneering Italian physicist, credited with the electric battery and electrochemistry.
• Barbara Gittings — Shared historical date (02-18 · Died) (2007): Pioneering LGBTQ activist and librarian who fought for visibility and rights.
• 5th Dalai Lama — Shared historical date (10-21 · Born) (1617): Spiritual and political unifier of Tibet, establishing the Ganden Phodrang.
• Alfred Nobel — Shared historical date (10-21 · Born) (1833): Pioneering chemist, inventor of dynamite, and founder of the Nobel Prizes.
• 1906 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1906
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• 1980 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1980
• October 21 (10-21) On This Day — Historical events and memorials on October 21