Autism vs Asperger’s Syndrome: What You Need to Know

Asperger’s syndrome isn’t recognized as an official separate diagnosis for autism any longer, but you probably wouldn’t know this by all the references to it out there in cyberspace.

I use the term at times as well, as that was what I was originally told I had as well.

So many questions arise from these terms. Is there a difference between autism vs. asperger? Is autism Asperger’s? What should we know about autism spectrum disorder vs aspergers? And, why is Asperger’s syndrome no longer a separate diagnosis?

The answers are actually quite logical. Here’s the scoop.

Autism vs Asperger's Syndrome: Are There Differences Between These Two?The term “Asperger’s syndrome” was considered a separate condition from autism from 1981 until 2013. That’s when the 5th edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) publication merged it into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Before this version of the guide was published, Asperger’s syndrome was used to classify a milder form of autism.

The less severe form was generally described as individuals typically having average or above average intelligence and possess strong (or at least average) verbal skills.

Read more about Types of Autism: Understanding the Three Levels of Autism

The guide by the American Psychiatric Association is a tool for trained professionals to assist with diagnosis and treatment of various disorders.

This change in terminology and classification from various types of autism and addressing the autism vs asperger nuances was made to reflect a growing understanding of the similarities when researching  types of autism.

Now don’t expect to pick up this 947-page guide and make sense from it, if you are a layman like me. But I do think it’s important to explain the “why and when” the change  about types of autism and autism spectrum disorder vs aspergers occurred.

So, here is more background.

People with this condition were often categorized with normal or above-average intelligence, good language skills, and a hyperfocus/extreme interest in a specific topic.

Experts would say that those with Asperger’s syndrome often struggled with social skills and had difficulty with nonverbal communication, such as making eye contact, understanding facial expressions, and discerning differences in intent, such as sarcasm.

So, based on the prior differentiations between autism vs asperger and types of autism, it seemed to come down to the severity level overall. Like it or not, it could be likened to high functioning vs low functioning abilities or what some prefer to describe it as high support needs vs low support needs. (However, I dislike the labels in general because I think it can lead to pathologization and ostracism.) 

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The History of Autism vs Asperger and Types of Autism

Asperger’s syndrome was named after Hans Asperger, an Austrian psychiatrist who observed children with similar behavioral traits and identified them as having a specific pattern of behavior.

These children were said to be highly intelligent but lacked the social skills and communication abilities of their peers.

According to research, Asperger first coined the controversial term “autistic psychopathy” to describe these children’s behavior. It was later renamed to “Asperger’s syndrome” by a different psychiatrist.

Flash forward a few decades, and as researchers and clinicians gained a better understanding of autism, they realized that there was a great deal of overlap when comparing autism vs asperger behaviors.

In fact, numerous studies have shown that there is no clear line between the types of autism, and that the distinction between them is largely arbitrary. 

In other words, that “line of severity” between autism vs. Asperger’s could differ based on which behavior was being reviewed or how autism was presenting itself in a person.

The resulting merger of Asperger’s syndrome into the autism spectrum was based on several factors, according to experts.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder vs Aspergers Considerations

One of the main reasons was the recognition in looking at autism spectrum disorder vs aspergers is that both share many of the same features and symptoms, such as social difficulties, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests. There seemed to be a correlation between the two, making answering the question of “is autism asperger’s” a complex one to answer.

The merging of the two diagnoses allowed for a more accurate and consistent diagnosis” of individuals on the spectrum, according to research.

After all, you’ve heard the saying, “If you know one person with autism, well, then, you know one person with autism.”

Another reason for the change was to reduce the stigma associated with the syndrome.

Some people with Asperger’s syndrome have said they felt that the diagnosis was too limiting and being separate from “autism” made them feel more isolated,  and the merging of the diagnoses helped to eliminate this distinction. Autism v Asperger's Syndrome can be another example of using labels or generalizations to define people.

By recognizing that Asperger’s is part of the autism spectrum, those who support the merger say individuals with this condition can be connected to a larger community of people who share similar experiences and challenges.

The merging of types of autism into the autism spectrum and discontinuing the autism vs asperger debate doesn’t mean that individuals with this condition no longer exist.

It just reflects a growing understanding of the complexities of autism and the recognition that there is a wide range of experiences and symptoms that fall under this broader term.

RELATED: Understanding Neurodiversity – Uprising of the Neurodivergent

Autism Spectrum Disorder vs Aspergers Merger Rationale

Another aspect of the merging of autism vs Asperger’s is one that is pretty controversial, and I want to put a disclaimer out there that I don’t know for certain of these history facts.

But, according to my research, another reason for the change was to eliminate the stigma attached with Hans Asperger’s alleged collaboration with the Government of Nazi Germany.

There is some continued controversy per the name, Asperger’s syndrome, over allegations that Asperger referred children who presented these symptoms to a Nazi German clinic, where some were murdered.  

My role is not to debate or determine whether Hans Asperger was a Nazi and/or loyal to the Third Reich, and if you want to know more, there are a lot of articles on this topic.

Not surprisingly, there were (and still are) mixed reactions following the merging of autism vs asperger and attempting to answer the question, “Is autism asperger’s?” by the umbrella term used of autism spectrum disorder.

Some people with Asperger’s feel that their unique experiences and challenges are being erased, while others see the merging as a positive step towards reducing stigma and increasing understanding of autism.

Other critics have said the merging of the types of autism into the autism spectrum may lead to over-diagnosis and misdiagnosis.

That’s because there are those who argue that the broadening of the autism spectrum leads to a greater number of individuals being diagnosed with ASD who do not actually have the condition.

I think it’s important to point out that an official diagnosis of ASD is based on a comprehensive evaluation of an individual’s behavior, and that a proper diagnosis requires a thorough assessment by a qualified healthcare professional.

So, simply declaring you are ASD does not make you so.

RELATED: History of Autism – Revealing Shocking Mysteries from the Past

The Pros and Cons of Merging Types of Autism 

As you can clearly tell, merging the two diagnoses with autism vs Asperger’s has met with pros and cons. Much of it seems to differ on the perspective of being a medical expert and persons previously diagnosed as having Asperger’s syndrome.

Autism vs. Asperger's syndrome is unimportant, as the terms have been merged into Autism Spectrum Disorder.Overall, however, it seems that the merging of Asperger’s syndrome into the autism spectrum is believed to have had a positive impact on the field of autism research and treatment.

By recognizing the similarities between autism and Asperger’s syndrome, researchers have been able to develop more effective interventions and therapies for individuals on the spectrum.

The merging has also led to greater awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with autism, and has increased support for research and treatment.

While the term “Asperger’s syndrome” is no longer used in an official diagnostic capacity, the characteristics and traits associated with the condition still exist within the autism spectrum.

Individuals with Asperger’s may still identify with the characteristics and traits associated with the condition, even if they do not use the term “Asperger’s” to describe themselves. That’s why the question of “is autism aspergers” is still likely to lead to a stumbling explanation.

And most therapists/researchers are fine for those people who still refer to themselves as having “Asperger’s syndrome” since that is the term they were given at the time.

One of the benefits of the merging of Asperger’s syndrome into the autism spectrum is that it has led to a greater understanding and acceptance of the complexities of autism.

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning that people with the condition can have a wide range of abilities and challenges. No longer are there differing types of autism per se.

Some individuals with autism vs. Asperger’s syndrome may have difficulty with communication and social interaction, while others may have exceptional abilities in certain areas, such as math or music.

RELATED: 6 Fascinating Facts About Autism Disorder You Probably Didn’t Know

Recognition of Autism Spectrum Disorder vs Aspergers Has Led to Enhanced Support

By recognizing that Asperger’s is part of the autism spectrum, healthcare professionals and researchers can provide more individualized and targeted support to individuals with autism, according to proponents of the merger.

This can include interventions and therapies that focus on developing social skills, improving communication, and addressing sensory sensitivities.

The merging of autism vs asperger types into the broader autism spectrum disorder has also led to greater awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with autism.

In recent years, there has been a growing movement towards acceptance and inclusion of individuals with autism, and the merging of Asperger’s syndrome into the autism spectrum has played a role in this movement.

I will personally vouch that there seems to be more attention placed on autism and acceptance of those with it in society. But, there is much more work to do in this area.

By recognizing that autism is a complex and diverse condition, society can work toward creating more inclusive communities and providing greater support for individuals with autism and their families.

At least that is the goal, and I do think we are moving in that direction.

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My Perspective on Autism vs Asperger’s Syndrome 

Asperger's syndrome is no longer an official diagnosis.
Me in middle school, about the time I received the diagnosis of having Asperger’s syndrome.

When I was diagnosed with Asperger’s in middle school I didn’t think the term would disappear. Why would I?

So, even though it has been integrated into the autism spectrum, I often still switch between autism vs. Asperger’s syndrome myself. 

As it has been explained to me, using the term Asperger’s syndrome mainly just lets doctors and others know your diagnosis was made on or before the year 2013. 

It can also be a “high functioning” category of sorts as well, in a way that explains where you’re at in terms of having support needs.  But many people also take offense to those differentiations as well.

So, the now-obsolete diagnosis that is often used informally today can apply to age and support needs more than anything else.

And that’s why people like Elon Musk went on national tv in 2021 and said he had Asperger’s syndrome vs. autism, and that’s totally ok.

So, whether we say it as autism vs Asperger’s syndrome, the autism spectrum is diverse and everyone presents its symptoms / behaviors in unique ways.  

By recognizing the complexities of autism and providing targeted support to individuals on the spectrum, I just hope that society can work together.

That way, we can create more inclusive and welcoming communities for individuals with autism and their families.

RELATED: Growing Up Autistic – How I Overcame Challenges and Now Thrive

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Connor McClure

I'm a young adult navigating life with autism. By sharing my experiences and views, I hope to create a better awareness, understanding, and compassion for those on the spectrum. Let's connect!
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