Dr. Lorna Wing: Pioneering psychiatrist in autism research

Dr. Lorna Wing (1928–2014) was a pioneering psychiatrist in autism research. She had a daughter with autism, which led her to do more research on autism. Her major contributions were the concept of the “triad of impairments” (communication, social interaction, and imagination deficits) and she studied extensively on “Asperger’s syndrome.” Wing’s epidemiological work disproved the commonly held belief in the late 20 th century that autism is rare, and she was a co-developer of the “Diagnostic Interview for Social and Communication Disorders” (DISCO). Her research helped to bring fundamental changes in the criteria for diagnosing autism spectrum disorders and more awareness of its varied presentations. Wing was one of the founding members of what was initially called “The Society for Autistic Children” in 1962 (later renamed the National Autistic Society) and was awarded various honours in recognition of her pioneering work in autism research and advocacy.