Eric Schopler was born. A profoundly influential figure within the field of autism research, Schopler was instrumental in developing the Treatment and Education of Autistic and Related Communication Handicapped Children (TEACCH) project at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in the early 1970's; a groundbreaking program consisting of humane and pioneering techniques that have been adopted throughout the world.

Regularly honored throughout his long and illustrious career, Schopler was posthumously awarded the American Psychological Foundation Gold Medal Award for Life Achievement in the Application of Psychology in 2006.

Information via: On This Day in Psychology: A Showcase of Great Pioneers and Defining Moments