Bernard Rimland was an American psychologist and a prominent advocate for individuals with autism. Born in 1928, he is best known for founding the Autism Society of America in 1965. Rimland's work focused on understanding the causes of autism and promoting effective treatments, challenging the prevailing theories of his time. Rimland authored the influential book "Infantile Autism: The Syndrome and Its Implications for a Neural Theory of Behavior" in 1964, which helped shift perceptions about autism. He emphasized the importance of early intervention and education, contributing significantly to the field of developmental psychology and improving the lives of many individuals with autism.