Contents:
- Are Asperger’s syndrome and autism the same thing? Differences prior to the update of the guidelines
- Asperger’s syndrome and the autism spectrum – the new classification of autism spectrum disorders – ICD-11
- FAQ – frequently asked questions about Asperger’s syndrome and the autism spectrum
- Related articles
Until recently, it was believed that autism and Asperger’s syndrome had different causes and led to different difficulties. A distinction between ‘more severe’ and ‘milder’ forms of autism has become entrenched in public perception, shaping the way specialists, parents and the patients themselves think.
Both groups were assigned different prognoses, different prospects for functioning in adulthood and varying therapeutic needs.
Is it appropriate these days to highlight the differences between autism and Asperger’s syndrome?
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Are Asperger’s syndrome and autism the same thing? Differences prior to the update of the guidelines
For many years, doctors treated Asperger’s syndrome and childhood autism as two distinct conditions. In older classifications, they were grouped under the umbrella term ‘pervasive developmental disorders’, but were nevertheless defined separately.
Differences were noted in people with these disorders, relating to speech development, cognitive function and the degree of independence.
Asperger’s syndrome according to older definitions
In cases of Asperger’s syndrome diagnosed in children and adults, attention was drawn to normal intellectual ability and the absence of any general language delay.
Children with Asperger’s syndrome usually began to speak at the appropriate age, and their vocabulary tended to be very rich – often more extensive than that of their peers.
The symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome were mainly evident in communication and social interactions. The children’s speech was often stiff and overly formal, and lacked natural intonation. The difficulties primarily concerned the pragmatics of language – understanding irony or metaphors – rather than the ability to construct sentences itself. For this reason, people with Asperger’s syndrome were more frequently observed to have problems communicating and functioning in relationships with their peers, even if their verbal speech did not clearly differ from the generally accepted norm.
Diagnosis of people on the autism spectrum according to older definitions
Childhood autism was diagnosed when, in addition to difficulties with communication and social interaction, there were marked delays in speech development and impairments in cognitive function. People with autism often failed to make eye contact, did not respond when their name was called, and did not use functional language – complete utterances necessary for expressing their own needs or asking questions.
Patients also exhibited impairments in verbal and non-verbal communication (using words and gestures), reduced spontaneity in play, and a tendency to isolate themselves from their peer group. Social skills developed more slowly and to a lesser extent, and the characteristic symptoms were more pronounced than in Asperger’s syndrome.
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Diagnosis of autism at the Dialog Centre for Children and Families
We carry out a comprehensive psychological assessment of the autism spectrum — thoroughly, providing a complete picture of the child’s potential and recommendations for the school.
Asperger’s syndrome and the autism spectrum – the new classification of autism spectrum disorders – ICD-11
In 2022, the World Health Organisation introduced changes – the previously defined key distinctions were abandoned and the diagnostic approach was standardised.
- The new ICD-11 classification states that the categories previously described separately – Asperger’s syndrome, childhood autism and atypical autism – now form a single broad spectrum of autism spectrum disorders (ASD).
The change in classification has had an impact on clinical practice. In the past, doctors would have to decide whether to diagnose ‘Asperger’s syndrome’ or ‘childhood autism’.
At present, the focus is on describing the main symptoms, their severity and the areas in which they are most prevalent. For one child, these may include difficulties with verbal communication; for another, hypersensitivity to stimuli and a rigid attachment to routine.
A detailed description of the symptoms is specific to the individual patient, rather than to a single category of people with the disorder. As a result, it can form the basis for planning a treatment programme that will enable the patient to function more effectively when interacting with peers, at school or at work.
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Asperger’s syndrome and the autism spectrum
Is Asperger’s syndrome part of the autism spectrum?
Both autism and Asperger’s syndrome are disorders that form part of a broader spectrum. Current terminology does not distinguish between these two conditions.
How can you tell the difference between Asperger’s syndrome and autism spectrum disorder?
Under the new classification, Asperger’s syndrome and childhood autism are regarded as different presentations of the same disorder – they are no longer distinguished from one another. Differences are identified in the symptoms observed in individual patients.
Is it possible to have both autism and Asperger’s syndrome?
No. The two disorders have been combined into a single category, which is why only ASD is diagnosed.
What does ‘high-functioning autism’ mean?
This term was once used to refer to people with ASD who did not have developmental delays and coped well with everyday life. The term is not a diagnostic category and may imply a ‘hierarchy of functioning’ – the current approach emphasises individual profiles of strengths and difficulties, rather than labelling.
Who makes the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (Asperger’s syndrome and autism)?
The diagnosis is made by a child and adolescent psychiatrist or an adult psychiatrist. A psychologist and a team of therapists are also involved in the process.
What are the differences and similarities in the symptoms of autism and Asperger’s syndrome?
Both diagnoses were classified as part of the autism spectrum, and in both cases difficulties with communication, problematic social interactions and a tendency towards repetitive behaviours were observed. The difference was noted primarily in language development and cognitive functions. In people with Asperger’s syndrome, speech development proceeded normally and intelligence levels were within the normal range, whereas children with autism were associated with language delays, intellectual limitations and more severe symptoms.
How did the diagnosis affect the prognosis?
Earlier approaches assumed that patients with Asperger’s syndrome had greater potential to develop skills and reduce social difficulties, whilst in the case of childhood autism, significantly greater limitations were expected. Thanks to a broader perspective, it has been observed that social skills training can be effective for people of all ages – in relation to older classifications – equally for those diagnosed with autism and for those with Asperger’s syndrome.
Do you need some help?
Diagnosis of autism at the Dialog Centre for Children and Families
We carry out a comprehensive psychological assessment of the autism spectrum — thoroughly, providing a complete picture of the child’s potential and recommendations for the school.
Bibliography:
- International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems – ICD-11. Retrieved from: https://icd.who.int/browse/2025-01/mms/en.
- Rosen, N. E., Lord, C., & Volkmar, F. R. (2021). The diagnosis of autism: From Kanner to DSM-III to DSM-5 and beyond. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(12), 4253–4270.
- Rybakowski, F., Białek, A., Chojnicka, I., Dziechciarz, P., Horvath, A., Janas-Kozik, M., … & Dunajska, A. (2014). Autism spectrum disorders – epidemiology, symptoms, comorbidity and diagnosis. Psychiatria Polska, 48(4).
- Howlin, P. (2021). Adults with autism: Changes in understanding since DSM-III. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 51(12), 4291–4308.
- Ferrara, R., Nappo, R., Ansermet, F., Ricci, P., Massoni, F., Carbone, G., … & Ricci, S. (2021). The impact of the DSM-5 on the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Psychiatric Annals, 51(1), 38–46
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Diagnosis of autism at the Dialog Centre for Children and Families
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