Differences between Asperger Syndrome and Autism
Contents
Asperger syndrome vs. autism
Asperger syndrome and autism are neurodevelopmental conditions that affect social communication and behavior. Since the 2013 publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), these conditions are no longer diagnosed as separate entities in the United States. Instead, they are grouped under the single category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).[1] The World Health Organization's ICD-11, adopted in 2019, followed a similar approach by merging Asperger syndrome into the autism spectrum.[2]
Historically, the distinction between the two relied on specific developmental milestones. Hans Asperger first described "autistic psychopathy" in 1944, noting children with high verbal abilities but significant social difficulties. Lorna Wing popularized the term "Asperger syndrome" in 1981 to describe individuals who met the social criteria for autism but did not have the cognitive or language delays associated with the "classic" autism described by Leo Kanner in 1943.[3]
Comparison table
| Feature | Asperger syndrome (Historical) | Classic autism (Kanner's) |
|---|---|---|
| Language development | No clinically significant delay | Frequently delayed or absent speech |
| Cognitive function | Average to superior intelligence | Ranges from severe impairment to giftedness |
| Age of diagnosis | Often after age 3 (frequently school-age) | Usually before age 3 |
| Motor skills | Common physical clumsiness or poor coordination | Varies; may include repetitive movements |
| Social interest | May desire social contact but lack skills | May appear socially withdrawn or indifferent |
| Current status | Reclassified as ASD (Level 1) | Reclassified as ASD (Levels 1, 2, or 3) |
Diagnostic shifts and clinical features
Prior to 2013, a diagnosis of Asperger syndrome required that an individual show no significant delay in early language acquisition. For instance, children had to use single words by age two and communicative phrases by age three. In classic autism, speech was often delayed, and some individuals remained nonverbal throughout their lives.[4]
Cognitive ability served as another differentiator. Asperger syndrome was sometimes informally called "high-functioning autism." While people with classic autism can have high IQs, the diagnosis also included those with intellectual disabilities. Asperger syndrome, by definition, excluded individuals with intellectual impairment.
Current clinical practice focuses on support needs rather than these historical labels. The DSM-5 uses "Level 1" to describe individuals who require support but can often live independently, which covers most former Asperger syndrome cases. Levels 2 and 3 describe individuals requiring "substantial" or "very substantial" support, respectively. These levels account for the varying degrees of intensity in restricted interests, repetitive behaviors, and social communication challenges across the spectrum.[5]
References
- ↑ American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
- ↑ World Health Organization. (2019). International Classification of Diseases for Mortality and Morbidity Statistics (11th Revision).
- ↑ Wing, L. (1981). Asperger's syndrome: a clinical account. Psychological Medicine, 11(1), 115-129.
- ↑ World Health Organization. (1992). The ICD-10 Classification of Mental and Behavioural Disorders.
- ↑ National Institute of Mental Health. (2023). Autism Spectrum Disorder.
