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Asperger Syndrome

Diagnostic Criteria

ICD

ICD-11

The 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, which is due for publication in 2019, is likely to eliminate Asperger syndrome as a formal diagnosis by dissolving it and other subtypes of autism into one diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder.

ICD-10

According to the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems - 10th Edition, Asperger syndrome is

'A disorder of uncertain nosological validity, characterized by the same type of qualitative abnormalities of reciprocal social interaction that typify autism, together with a restricted, stereotyped, repetitive repertoire of interests and activities. It differs from autism primarily in the fact that there is no general delay or retardation in language or in cognitive development. This disorder is often associated with marked clumsiness. There is a strong tendency for the abnormalities to persist into adolescence and adult life. Psychotic episodes occasionally occur in early adult life.'

DSM

DSM-5

The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders published in 2013 eliminates Asperger syndrome as a formal diagnosis by dissolving it and other subtypes of autism into one diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder . According to the American Psychiatric Association, this represents an effort to more accurately diagnose all individuals showing the signs of autism.

DSM-4

According to the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders people with Asperger syndrome show the following symptoms.

'A. Impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:

(1) marked impairment in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body postures, and gestures to regulate social interaction
(2) failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
(3) a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest)
(4) lack of social or emotional reciprocity

B. Restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests, and activities, as manifested by at least one of the following:

(1) encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
(2) apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
(3) stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g., hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
(4) persistent preoccupation with parts of objects

C. The disturbance causes clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.

D. There is no clinically significant general delay in language (e.g., single word used by age 2 years, communicative phrases used by age 3 years).

E. There is no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or in the development of age-appropriate self-help skills, adaptive behavior (other than in social interaction), and curiosity about the environment in childhood.

F. Criteria are not met for another specific Pervasive Developmental Disorder, or Schizophrenia.'

Variations

Each individual will experience these symptoms to a different extent. For example, a child may have little trouble learning to read but exhibit extremely poor social interaction. Each child will display communication, social, and behavioral patterns that are individual but fit into the overall diagnosis of autism.