Asperger syndrome is a form of autism characterised by normal or above average intelligence.
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.
The 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, published in 2020, eliminated Asperger syndrome as a formal diagnosis by dissolving it and other subtypes of autism into one diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder.
The 10th edition of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, published in 2010, states that 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.'
According to the Medical Research Council (2011),
"Most researchers believe that ASDs have a variety of causes, perhaps all affecting the same brain systems, or impeding development through disruption of different abilities necessary for social and communicative development.Whether environmental factors interact with genetic susceptibility is as yet unclear."
Recent studies state that the number of people with all forms of autism cannot be precisely fixed, but it appears to be around 1 in 100 people. We do not know how many of these have Asperger syndrome.
Asperger syndrome is present from birth, although the symptoms may not be immediately obvious. It is four times more common in boys than in girls.
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.
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.'
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.
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.'
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.
People with Asperger syndrome face many issues, including some problems and some challenges, on a day to day basis.
For example, they may find it difficult to communicate with other people or to socialise with them. And they may have additional conditions, such as epilepsy or gastro-intestinal problems, which bring their own issues.
Please see Issues, Problems and Challenges
Individuals with Asperger syndrome, like other individuals on the autism spectrum vary enormously but many will find it hard to cope with the problems that life throws at them.
Without timely and informed help and support there can be potentially devastating consequences for the person concerned and those around them.
These may include extreme anxiety and distress, injury, withdrawal and exclusion.
Due to the complex and uneven nature of their difficulties it is vital for them to have sensitive and appropriate help and support through school and at university, work and other key stages.
Without such support they are vulnerable and likely to lead stressful, socially isolated and disadvantaged lives.
An intervention is any kind of activity (such as a treatment, a therapy or the provision of a service) that is designed to improve the quality of life for people on the autism spectrum
There are many different types of intervention and the names and numbers of interventions are increasing all the time.
Some interventions are designed to address the core features of Asperger syndrome (persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction, along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests, or activities).
Other interventions are designed to address other issues (such as anxiety, aggression or self injurious behaviour).
Some interventions can be quite simple and straightforward. For example, if someone finds a specific situation difficult (such as being in a noisy, crowded room) you can change the situation (by reducing the noise in the room or by not asking the person to be in that room).
Other interventions may be more complex, requiring a team of professional experts and/or expensive materials and implemented over the course of many years.
Unfortunately some interventions are scientifically unfeasible and potentially hazardous. And there is currently very little scientific research to support the use of some interventions despite sometimes extravagant and misleading claims about their effectiveness.
What the research does show is that, while there is no cure for Asperger syndrome, some interventions do appear to help at least some individuals.
However there is no 'one-size fits all' solution. Each person with Asperger syndrome is a unique individual, with unique needs and abilities. The most effective interventions follow some key principles, such as being tailored to meet the unique characteristics of each individual.
This page provides details of some of the most significant scientific studies and reviews on Asperger syndrome.
You can find more studies and reviews on Asperger syndrome in our publications database.
If you know of any other publications we should list on this page please email info@informationautism.org
Please note that we are unable to supply publications unless we are listed as the publisher. However, if you are a UK resident you may be able to obtain them from your local public library, your college library or direct from the publisher.
This section provides details of other publications on Asperger syndrome.
You can find more publications on Asperger syndrome in our publications database.
If you know of any other publications we should list on this page please email info@informationautism.org
Please note that we are unable to supply publications unless we are listed as the publisher. However, if you are a UK resident you may be able to obtain them from your local public library, your college library or direct from the publisher.