Understanding Asperger's Syndrome: History, Diagnosis, and Modern Perspectives

A comprehensive guide to Asperger's syndrome, its relationship to autism spectrum disorder, and what parents need to know today.

Reviewed by Jennifer Harbour, M.S., BCBA

•Published: January 19, 2025

Our Perspective

"When our family started our journey with autism, navigating the changing terminology was confusing. We understand how important it is to find clear answers. At Buzz ABA, we focus on the individual child, not just the label. Whether you use the term 'Asperger's' or 'Autism,' our mission is to support your child's unique path to growth."

If you've heard the term "Asperger's syndrome" and wondered how it relates to autism, you're not alone. The relationship between these terms has evolved significantly. Understanding the history helps make sense of current practices.

This guide explains what Asperger's syndrome is (and was). We will look at how diagnostic understanding has changed. Most importantly, we will discuss what this means for children and families today.

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Clinical Director's Insight

"Over my 20+ years in the field, I've seen diagnostic terminology evolve significantly. Many families I work with still relate to the term 'Asperger's' even though it's no longer an official diagnosis.

What hasn't changed is our commitment to understanding each individual's unique profile. Whether someone identifies with the term Asperger's or prefers 'autism,' the goal is the same. We provide support that honors their strengths while addressing challenges."

– Jennifer Harbour, M.S., BCBA

What Is Asperger's Syndrome?

Asperger's syndrome was a developmental condition characterized by:

•Challenges with social interaction and communication
•Restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and interests
•Average to above-average intelligence
•No significant language delay in early childhood
•Often intense focus on specific topics or interests

Important Note

Since 2013, Asperger's syndrome is no longer a separate diagnosis. The DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) merged it into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). What was called Asperger's generally corresponds to what's now diagnosed as ASD Level 1 (requiring support).

Historical Background

Understanding the history helps explain why terminology has changed:

1944: Initial Description

Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger described children with social difficulties, narrow interests, and unique communication styles. He called them "little professors" due to their detailed knowledge of specific topics.

1994: Official Recognition

Asperger's syndrome became an official diagnosis in the DSM-IV. It was recognized as distinct from "autistic disorder" primarily due to the absence of language delay.

2013: Merged into ASD

The DSM-5 eliminated separate categories (Asperger's, Autistic Disorder, PDD-NOS). It adopted a single Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis with severity levels based on support needs.

Asperger's vs. Autism: What's the Difference?

Under the old diagnostic system, the main distinctions were:

Feature	Asperger's Syndrome	Autistic Disorder
Language Development	No significant delay	Often delayed
Cognitive Ability	Average or above	Variable
Social Challenges	Present	Present
Restricted Interests	Present	Present

Today, researchers recognize that these conditions exist on a spectrum. The distinctions between them were often arbitrary. The current autism levels system focuses on support needs rather than categorical labels.

Common Characteristics

Individuals with what was historically called Asperger's often display these characteristics:

Social Communication

• Difficulty reading social cues
• Challenges with reciprocal conversation
• Literal interpretation of language
• Difficulty understanding sarcasm or jokes
• May appear socially "awkward"
• Desire for friendship but unsure how

Behaviors and Interests

• Intense focus on specific topics
• Preference for routines and sameness
• May have encyclopedic knowledge
• Sensory sensitivities
• Repetitive behaviors or stimming
• Strong attention to detail

Strengths

• Deep expertise in areas of interest
• Strong memory and attention to detail
• Logical and systematic thinking
• Honesty and directness
• Unique perspectives and insights
• Reliability and dedication

Challenges

• Social relationships and friendships
• Anxiety, often related to social situations
• Executive function difficulties
• Sensory overload in certain environments
• Flexibility when plans change
• Understanding implicit expectations

Diagnosis Today

If your child shows characteristics of what was once called Asperger's, they would now be evaluated for Autism Spectrum Disorder. The diagnostic process involves:

1.Developmental history: Understanding early development and current functioning
2.Standardized assessments: Tools like ADOS-2 to evaluate social communication
3.Cognitive testing: Understanding intellectual abilities and learning profile
4.Level determination: Assessing support needs (Level 1, 2, or 3)

What was Asperger's typically corresponds to ASD Level 1 or "high-functioning autism". Note that this latter term is not an official diagnosis and has limitations.

Why Some People Still Use "Asperger's"

Despite the diagnostic change, you'll still hear the term for several reasons:

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Existing diagnoses: Many people received an Asperger's diagnosis before 2013 and continue to identify with it
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Community identity: Some feel the term describes their experience better than "autism"
•
Specificity: The term may communicate a particular profile more quickly than "ASD Level 1"
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International use: Some countries still use ICD-10, which includes Asperger's as a diagnosis

Support and Therapy Options

Individuals with this profile benefit from support tailored to their specific needs:

ABA Therapy

Applied Behavior Analysis can address specific skill areas like social skills, daily living skills, and managing anxiety. Modern, neurodiversity-affirming ABA focuses on building skills rather than eliminating autistic traits.

Social Skills Training

Structured programs teaching the "hidden curriculum" of social interaction, including reading social cues, conversation skills, and perspective-taking. Social skills groups with peers can be particularly helpful.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Adapted CBT is effective for treating co-occurring anxiety and depression, which are common in individuals with this profile.

Occupational Therapy

Addresses sensory processing differences, motor coordination, and daily living skills.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Asperger's syndrome still a diagnosis?

No, since 2013 it's been included under Autism Spectrum Disorder in the DSM-5. What was Asperger's typically corresponds to ASD Level 1. However, many people still identify with and use the term.

What is the difference between Asperger's and autism?

Under the old system, Asperger's differed mainly in that there was no significant language delay. Today, both are part of the autism spectrum. What was called Asperger's generally aligns with ASD Level 1 or "high-functioning autism."

Do people with Asperger's need therapy?

Support needs vary widely. Some benefit from therapies addressing social skills, anxiety, or sensory challenges. Others need minimal support. The key is individualized assessment rather than assuming everyone with this profile needs the same interventions.

Start Your Child's Journey Today

Buzz ABA provides comprehensive, evidence-based ABA therapy in Concord, Manchester, Nashua, and surrounding NH communities. Our neurodiversity-affirming approach helps children thrive.

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