In 2020 I received a diagnosis of autism. In the extremely limited “Next Steps” leaflet which I was given, I was advised to research Asperger’s Syndrome. This was confusing because until recently Asperger’s Syndrome, known also as simply Asperger's or AS, and autism were two different diagnoses. Asperger’s Syndrome stopped being used as a clinical diagnosis by the WHO in 2019. People who would once have been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome now receive a diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autism.
The term Asperger’s Syndrome continues to be used by many professionals and is widely used in the autistic community. Individuals who have been diagnosed with Asperger’s can continue to identify as an Aspie (a term used by many with this diagnosis) but may prefer to consider themselves autistic. Autism is an umbrella term as it is a spectrum condition. A general diagnosis of autism (ASD- or ASC (Autism Spectrum Condition)), instead of Asperger’s was designed to make it easier for individuals to access the support provided for autistic people. While there are some differences between Asperger’s and Autism, the crossover is so huge that it makes sense to use a blanket term.
However, there has also been considerable objection to the name Asperger. Hans Asperger worked as a paediatrician in Austria in the 20th century and was a leading figure in the field of autism research. In 2018, evidence was published which showed that he had assisted in the Nazi euthanasia programme. Psychiatrists and physicians such as Asperger, were required to determine which people, including children, were to be murdered under the regime, and we know that Asperger referred a high number of children to their deaths. For this reason, people can understandably be uncomfortable still using the term Asperger’s.
So, what are the differences between Asperger’s and Autism?
All autistic people share certain difficulties, but the key difference is that those with Asperger’s (or who would have been diagnosed with it pre-2019) do not have learning difficulties. There tends to be no delay in language learning and communication as a child. Asperger’s was frequently referred to as “mild or high-functioning autism” because the symptoms were difficult for others to notice. This does not mean the individual with Asperger’s finds the condition any less challenging and I think most people on the spectrum would argue that no form of autism is particularly mild.
The key traits of Asperger’s Syndrome were/are (!):
persistent difficulties with or differences in social communication and social interaction
restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviours, activities or interests since early childhood, to the extent that these impact negatively on day-to-day life.
Individuals with Asperger’s are particularly good at masking their symptoms and at blending in with society’s expectations. As a result, diagnosis tends to happen later than with many other autistic people and may not happen until adulthood. Asperger’s is often described as a hidden disability because there are no external symptoms. People with Asperger’s are said to be of average or above average intelligence although I’m not sure how intelligence can be measured. If an individual is mute, as many on the spectrum are, are they less intelligent than someone who is able to converse?
People with Asperger’s may need less support than other people with autism. However, the constant effort required in masking symptoms can result in burnout when individuals are so overwhelmed and exhausted that they either shutdown and stop communicating or experience a meltdown when they are no longer able to control their emotions.
So while you can no longer be diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, it is useful to be aware of what it means. There is a lot of online information available relating to Asperger’s and much of it may be relevant for you, especially if you are diagnosed as an adult.
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