Was autism called something else before it was identified as autism?

Yes, before it was identified as autism, the condition was known by various names and descriptions throughout history. Some of the historical terms used to describe autism or autism-like conditions include:

1. Infantile Autism: This term was first used by Leo Kanner in his seminal 1943 paper, "Autistic Disturbances of Affective Contact." Kanner described a specific group of children who exhibited difficulties with social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors.

2. Childhood Psychosis: In the early 20th century, many children with autism were diagnosed with childhood psychosis, as their symptoms were often associated with psychotic disorders.

3. Schizophrenia in Childhood: Some individuals with autism were diagnosed with childhood schizophrenia, as their symptoms overlapped with certain features of schizophrenia, such as social withdrawal and impaired communication.

4. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD): The term "pervasive developmental disorder" was introduced in the 1980s to encompass a broader spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism, Asperger's syndrome, and other related conditions.

As research and understanding of the condition advanced, the term "autism" became the preferred and widely recognized name for this neurodevelopmental disorder. The evolving terminology reflects the changing understanding of the condition over time and the efforts to more accurately describe and diagnose autism spectrum disorders.