Asperger syndrome is probably the most searched neurodiversity term by families online. Paradoxically, it no longer exists as an independent diagnosis: since DSM-5 (2013), Asperger syndrome is integrated into the broad diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Level 1. But the Asperger identity — how many people recognise themselves — remains very much alive.
ASD / Autism
Asperger syndrome: the high-functioning autistic profile and its current diagnosis
What Asperger was: the original clinical profile
The term was coined by Hans Asperger in 1944 to describe children with: normal or superior intelligence, formally correct but pragmatically atypical language (pedantic, literal, with difficulties in reciprocal conversation), very intense and specialised interests, social difficulties, and heightened sensory sensitivity. What distinguished Asperger from "classic autism" was the absence of language delay and intellectual disability.
Why it no longer exists as a diagnosis: the transition to ASD Level 1
DSM-5 (2013) eliminated the Asperger diagnosis because research showed the distinction between Asperger and autism without intellectual disability was neither reliable nor valid. DSM-5 unified all spectrum diagnoses under ASD, with support level specifiers (1, 2 or 3). What would formerly have received an Asperger diagnosis now corresponds to ASD Level 1 without intellectual or language disability.
Functional profile: strengths and challenges
Strengths
Exceptional attention to detail, reliability, honesty, systematic thinking, deep specialised knowledge, unconventional creativity
Challenges
Implicit social communication, cognitive flexibility with change, emotional regulation, sensory overload, social energy management
Frequently asked questions
No need to change any diagnosis. The Asperger diagnosis remains clinically valid and equivalent to ASD Level 1 for purposes of accessing resources, supports and accommodations.
Yes. Asperger syndrome is, scientifically, a profile within the autistic spectrum — what we would today call ASD Level 1 without intellectual or language disability.
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