David and Lisa (1962)

Did Lisa really adolescent schizophrenia or did she have Autism? Even in the early '60s were they completely different diagnosis' in the US?

Ever since I saw this movie I thought that the character of Sheldon Cooper (on The Big Bang Theory) was based on David,
They've just got too much in common.

Yes I noticed it too.

Even though the word Autism has been around since 1908, I don't think it was in common usage as a diagnosis in the 60's when more general terms were used.

I took various psychology courses in college in the mid 80's (including development & abnormal psychology) and don't recall ever hearing the word until much later.

According to this site: http://www.parents.com/health/autism/history-of-autism/

1980: "Infantile autism" is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) for the first time; the condition is also officially separated from childhood schizophrenia.

1987: The DSM replaces "infantile autism" with a more expansive definition of "autism disorder," and includes a checklist of diagnostic criteria. UCLA psychologist Ivar Lovaas, Ph.D., publishes the first study showing how intensive behavior therapy can help children with autism--thus giving new hope to parents.

Would Lisa be diagnosed with Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder today?