Final answer:
In the 1950s, autism was incorrectly attributed to cold parenting; however, it is now understood as a complex neurodevelopmental disorder influenced by genetics and brain development. The increase in ASD diagnosis is due to better awareness and diagnostic practices, and the claim that vaccines cause ASD has been discredited.
Step-by-step explanation:
According to Biss, in the 1950s, autism was believed to result from cold and unaffectionate parenting, a theory proposed by a group of psychiatrists, which has since been discredited. Over time, perspectives on autism, now referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), have evolved. With current understanding, we recognize ASD as a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a strong genetic component, and it is characterized by a range of cognitive and behavioral differences. Potential causes include genetic predisposition, with evidence of inheritance seen in family studies, and variations in brain development such as differences in synaptic pruning.
Despite outdated and scientifically disproven claims, such as the notion that vaccinations cause ASD, there has been an increased diagnosis of ASD, partially attributable to better awareness, broader diagnostic criteria, and improvements in diagnostic practices. The controversial study linking vaccines to autism was retracted due to fraudulent data, and extensive research has since refuted any connection between vaccinations and ASD.