Autism and Asperger’s syndrome are two conditions that can cause differences in how people communicate and interact with others. Although they share some similarities, there are important differences between the two.

In this article, we will explore the key differences between autism and Asperger’s syndrome.

What is Autism?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects communication, socialization, and behavior. It is a complex condition that can present in a variety of ways and can range from mild to severe.

The symptoms of autism usually become apparent in early childhood and can include:.

Difficulty with social interaction and communication, such as avoiding eye contact or not responding when someone speaks to them
Repetitive behaviors, such as hand-flapping, spinning or pacing
Fascination with certain objects or topics
Difficulty adjusting to changes in routine or surroundings
Sensitivity to sound, light, or touch

Autism is often referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) because the symptoms can vary widely from person to person and can be mild or severe.

What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome is a type of autism that is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and behavior.

People with Asperger’s syndrome often have average or above-average intelligence and strong verbal skills, but struggle with nonverbal communication and social cues. Some common symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome include:.

Difficulty making friends or maintaining relationships
Repetitive behaviors or routines
An intense interest in a narrow range of topics
Difficulty with nonverbal communication, such as interpreting facial expressions or body language
Difficulty with change in routine or environment

Asperger’s syndrome is often referred to as high-functioning autism because people with this condition can have good language and intellectual abilities, but still struggle with social interaction and other areas of life.

The Key Differences Between Autism and Asperger’s

While autism and Asperger’s syndrome share many similarities, there are some important differences between the two conditions. Here are the key differences:.

Symptoms

One of the key differences between autism and Asperger’s syndrome is the type and severity of symptoms. Autism is a spectrum disorder, which means that symptoms can vary widely from person to person.

People with autism may have significant delays in language development or intellectual functioning, while others may have above average intelligence. Repetitive behaviors and obsessive interests are also common in autism.

With Asperger’s syndrome, symptoms are generally less severe than in classic autism. People with Asperger’s may struggle with social skills and communication, but often have good language and intellectual abilities.

Repetitive behaviors and obsessive interests are also common in Asperger’s.

Communication Skills

Another key difference between autism and Asperger’s syndrome is communication skills. People with autism often have difficulty with both verbal and nonverbal communication.

They may struggle to initiate or maintain conversation, avoid eye contact, or have difficulty interpreting social cues.

People with Asperger’s syndrome typically have good language abilities, but still struggle with nonverbal communication. They may have difficulty interpreting facial expressions or tone of voice, and may not understand sarcasm or humor.

Intellectual Functioning

The intellectual functioning of people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome can vary, but there is a greater likelihood of intellectual disability in classic autism.

On the other hand, people with Asperger’s syndrome generally have average or above-average intelligence.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of autism and Asperger’s syndrome can be challenging because the symptoms can vary widely and overlap with other conditions.

In the past, Asperger’s syndrome was considered a separate condition from autism, but in the most recent edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), Asperger’s has been removed as a separate diagnosis and is now considered a subtype of autism.

Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome or who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger’s may now be diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), with severity levels based on the level of support needed for daily living skills.

Conclusion

Autism and Asperger’s syndrome share many similarities, but there are important differences between the two. Autism is a spectrum disorder that can cause significant delays in communication, socialization, and behavior.

Asperger’s syndrome is a subtype of autism that is characterized by difficulties in social interaction and behavior, but often with above-average intelligence and strong verbal skills. Understanding the differences between autism and Asperger’s can help with diagnosis, treatment, and support for individuals with these conditions.