Over three hundred scholarly publications on psychological disorders were produced by Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician whose clinical focus on children defined the trajectory of his medical career. Throughout his decades of practice in Vienna, he navigated the complex intersections of curative education and the intense political shifts defining his homeland during the twentieth century.
Early Development and Education
Born in Vienna in 1906, Hans Asperger was the eldest of three sons. His formative years were marked by an emphasis on classical humanism, including the study of Latin, ancient Greek, and western philosophy between 1916 and 1928. He developed an interest in medicine during his final year of secondary school, finishing his examinations in 1925 with top marks. He pursued his medical degree at the University of Vienna, where he was mentored by Franz Hamburger.
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Take the IQ test →Professional Rise in Vienna
Asperger entered the University Children's Hospital in Vienna in 1931. His professional advancement was rapid during a time of institutional upheaval. In 1932, he began working in the special education section, and by 1934 or 1935, he became the head of the department of curative pedagogy. During this tenure, he collaborated with a team that included Josef Feldner, Sister Viktorine Zak, and the psychiatrist Georg Frankl.
Religious Identity and Ideology
A practicing Roman Catholic, Asperger maintained affiliations with the Sankt-Lukas Guild, an organization that discussed elements of Catholic eugenics. His ideological background was also shaped by the Bund Neuland, a movement that incorporated elements of the German youth culture. These influences existed alongside his clinical responsibilities during the period of National Socialism, leading to historical scrutiny regarding his professional decisions and institutional compliance.
Historical Scrutiny
In the late 2010s, investigation into his career examined his role in patient referrals during the Nazi period. While some earlier records suggested potential involvement in the Third Reich's child euthanasia programs, subsequent peer-reviewed studies indicated he did not directly participate in the fatal decisions at the Am Spiegelgrund children's clinic. Records suggest he did not report children to the Berlin health authorities.
Fast facts
- Born: 1906, Vienna, Austria
- Died: 1980, Vienna, Austria
- Education: University of Vienna
- Profession: Pediatrician and psychiatrist
- Religion: Roman Catholic
- Burial: Neustifter Friedhof
- Publications: Over 300
- Spouse: Hanna Kalmon
Questions readers ask
What was Asperger's role in the T4 Programme?
Peer-reviewed research concludes he was not directly involved in the child euthanasia program and did not violate medical ethics, as fatal decisions were made by other physicians.
Where did Hans Asperger spend his professional life?
He spent his career in Vienna, primarily at the University Children's Hospital and the University of Vienna.
Achievements
- Held posts at University of Vienna
- Fields: pediatrics
