Asperger’s syndrome is a term sometimes used to describe a developmental disorder that’s part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). People who have this type of ASD tend to have a hard time relating to others socially. They usually stick to a very specific routine, have a narrow set of interests, and act in repetitive ways such as flapping their hands.
Doctors sometimes call Asperger’s a “high-functioning” type of ASD, which means its symptoms tend not to be as severe as other kinds of autism spectrum disorder.
History of Asperger’s
Asperger’s syndrome was named for Hans Asperger, a doctor in Vienna during the reign of the Nazi party. In the 1940s, Asperger was the first to take note of the pattern of social issues in some children under his care that now defines the disorder. Much of the information experts know about Asperger’s today comes from Hans Asperger’s work.
Although he was a pioneer in this research, the use of his name for this disorder is controversial. Ongoing debates say his research may have promoted forced “race hygiene,” which included Nazi policies that people with certain disabilities should be killed and parents of these children should be sterilized.
Some argue that Asperger created language to describe children on the higher-functioning end of the autism spectrum as a way to save them from these Nazi policies. But new research shows a much more complicated picture of how this label harmed people and even led to some children’s deaths.
Asperger’s Symptoms
Asperger’s symptoms start early in life. Most diagnoses happen between ages 5 and 9, although some people are adults before they get their diagnosis. No two people have the same symptoms. But they’re usually related to emotional, communication, and behavioral skills.
People with the disorder may:
- Have trouble making eye contact
- Feel and act awkward in social settings
- Have trouble responding to people in conversation
- Miss social cues that other people find obvious
- Struggle to read body language
- Don’t understand what facial expressions mean
- Show few emotions
- Speak in a flat, robotic tone
- Talk a lot about one topic such as rocks or football stats
- Repeat words, phrases, or movements
- Dislike change
- Keep the same schedule and habits, such as eating the same meals
Adult Asperger’s symptoms
No symptoms are specific to adults, though some are more common, including:
- Clumsiness
- Strong verbal skills
- Obsession with a topic
- Social difficulties
- Hypersensitivity
Asperger’s Diagnosis
If you notice signs of Asperger’s in your child, see their pediatrician. They can refer you to a mental health expert who specializes in ASD.
The doctor will likely ask questions about your child’s behavior, including:
- What symptoms do they have, and when did you first notice them?
- When did your child first learn to speak, and how do they communicate?
- Are they focused on any subjects or activities?
- Do they have friends, and how do they interact with others?
Then they’ll observe your child in different situations to see how they communicate and behave.
There is no test to diagnose the condition in adults, or even a diagnostic criteria for Asperger’s syndrome in adults. That’s partly because it’s usually found at an early age. But if you think you might have Asperger’s, talk to your doctor. They also can refer you to the appropriate doctors.
Doctors who diagnose Asperger’s include:
- Psychologists. They diagnose and treat problems with emotions and behavior.
- Neurologists. They treat conditions of the brain.
- Developmental pediatricians. They specialize in speech and language issues and other developmental problems in children.
- Psychiatrists. They have expertise in mental health conditions and can prescribe medicine to treat them.
The condition is often treated with a team approach. That means you or your child might see more than one doctor for your ASD care.
Is Asperger’s Autism?
Doctors used to consider Asperger’s and autism as separate conditions. But the 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the standard book that mental health experts use, changed how the condition is classified.
Today, Asperger’s syndrome is technically no longer a diagnosis on its own. It’s part of the broader category of autism spectrum disorder(ASD). This group of related disorders shares some symptoms. Even so, lots of people still use the term Asperger’s.