Distinguishing between Asperger Syndrome and autism is challenging. Ongoing research on autism-spectrum disorder means that the definition is constantly changing.
What was accepted twenty years ago has been reevaluated and reclassified, and it is likely that the views we have today will be drastically different in twenty years.
How Has Our Understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome Evolved?
In 1944, Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician, published the first scientific study of children with autism. He also described some of his patients to have similar symptoms. His patients had normal to high intelligence, but they lacked social skills. Their interests were limited.
In 1981, British psychiatrist Lorna Wing published a series of case studies where she coined the term “Asperger Syndrome.”
In 1994, Asperger’s Syndrome was included in the fourth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).
In 2003, the Global and Regional Asperger Syndrome Partnership (GRASP) was formed to be an organization run by people with Asperger’s Syndrome and ASD.
In 2013, Asperger’s Syndrome and certain other separate types of autism was gathered under the umbrella diagnosis of “Autism Spectrum Disorder” in the fifth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-V).
History of Asperger’s
Asperger’s Syndrome used to be considered a different diagnosis than ASD as a standalone diagnosis. Named after Hans Asperger , a Viennese pediatrician, it was first discovered in 1944.
Asperger described a set of behavior patterns shown by some of his patients, most of whom were males.
He noticed that despite normal development progress in terms of intelligence and language, these patients had impaired social skills. They also presented restricted and repetitive behaviors, which are now the hallmark symptoms for ASD.
However, it was discovered that such symptoms present differently than those seen in individuals with autism.
Asperger’s Syndrome (AS) was added to the Diagnostic Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of the American Psychiatric Association in 1994.
In 2013, Asperger’s Syndrome was removed from the diagnostic manual as a stand alone diagnosis with the publishing of DSM-V.
Its symptoms and signs now fall under the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
Causes of Asperger’s vs. Autism
Various studies have looked into the cause of autism spectrum disorders like Asperger’s. The exact cause is still being researched.
Some studies suggest that a combination of factors such as genetics and environment may account for the differences.
However, one thing that has been debunked numerous times is that autism spectrum disorders are not caused by an individual’s upbringing or their social circumstances.
Read more: Autism Spectrum Disorder - The Definitive Guide
Genetic Factor
Genes seem to affect if a person will develop Asperger’s. Although no one specific gene has been isolated to cause Asperger’s, it is found that the disorder runs in families.
Although there is more risk for younger siblings of a child with Asperger’s to develope the syndrome, probability of it vary research shows.
In addition, studies showed that if one twin has autism spectrum disorder in identical twins, the other twin may also have the disorder with 36% to 95% chance.
Environmental Factor
Studies suggest that there may be some environmental triggers that can cause Asperger’s.
Although this topic still needs to be researched more, some experts have theorized that during pregnancy, certain issues may increase the risk for a baby to develop an autism spectrum disorder.
- Viral infection
- Complications in birth
- Use of certain drugs
However, exposure to such risks does not necessarily mean that the child will develop an autism spectrum disorder.
Characteristics of Autism and Asperger’s
Characteristics of Asperger’s vary from individual to individual. However, there are certain symptoms shown by an individual that makes the diagnosis possible. These are:
- Persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction
- Restricted and repetitive behaviors
Asperger’s Syndrome is no longer a stand alone diagnosis with publishing of DSM-V. The characteristics may seem really similar to that of autism.
Here is a summary of diagnostic criteria used of Asperger’s Syndrome:
- Difficulty with verbal and nonverbal communication
- Lack of interest in taking part in activities
- Tendency to be alone
- Limited interest in certain topics
- Strict adherence to routines
- Not having delayed language or cognitive development
Aside from not having delayed language or cognitive development, all symptoms can also be seen in individuals with autism.
Similarities of Autism and Asperger’s
As mentioned before, Asperger’s is now a part of autism spectrum disorders.
However, back when the syndrome had its own diagnosis, the symptoms were really similar to that of autism. The following were the similar symptoms:
- Difficulty in interpreting verbal and non-verbal language
- Difficulty in understanding gestures, facial expressions, jokes, etc.
- Difficulty in understanding other’s thoughts and feelings
- Difficulty in expressing emotions
- Seeming insensitive, blunt, rude, strange, inappropriate
- Difficulty in making friends
- Restricted and repetitive behaviors
- Limited interests
- Depth of knowledge in that area of interest
- Sensitivity to certain sounds, textures, smells, tastes, etc.
Differences between Asperger and Autism
Although it is hard to test IQ scores of children with ASD because of the nature of the disorder; lately it is known that they have average or above average intelligence scores.
Those with Asperger’s, on the other hand, predominantly score on par with or higher than their peers. Frequently they have superior IQ scores.
Generally, people with Asperger do not suffer from the speech impairments or inabilities that often characterize those with an autism spectrum disorder.
While there may be difficulty in understanding the subtitles of speech (like idioms, jokes, or sarcasm), people with Asperger’s possess the ability to speak and annunciate clearly.
In addition, autism spectrum disorders are usually spotted in children before they reach school-age.
This is because the symptoms (and their severity) present much earlier than those of Asperger’s.
Because Asperger affects sociality and communication, it easily goes undetected until an affected child encounters difficulties in school.
Diagnosis of Autism and Asperger’s
As we discussed before, Asperger’s Syndrome is now a part of ASD diagnosis. Its signs and symptoms differ from one person to another.
There are certain symptoms that need to be present in an individual in order for ASD diagnosis to be made.
The person will be assessed in terms of having persistent difficulties with social communication and social interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviors. These are seen since early childhood.
The following symptoms can mean that your child has ASD. If you see the following signs in your child, seek professional help:
- Lack of eye contact
- Difficulty in interpreting verbal and non-verbal language
- Difficulty in understanding gestures, facial expressions, jokes, etc.
- Difficulty in understanding other’s thoughts and feelings
- Difficulty in expressing emotions
- Seeming insensitive, blunt, rude, strange, inappropriate
- Difficulty in making friends
- Restricted and repetitive behaviors
- Limited interests
- Depth of knowledge in that area of interest
- Sensitivity to certain sounds, textures, smells, tastes, etc.
Language Development for Autism
Individuals with autism have difficulty with language development. Each individual with autism develops at their own rate.
Children with ASD may find it difficult to communicate with other people. Their language may develop slowly or not at all.
They have significant issues with understanding and/or using spoken language. Non-verbal cues like gestures may be difficult to understand for them.
Autistic children generally have issues with their receptive language (understanding what others say), expressive language (expressing their thoughts and feelings by using words and gestures), and using these language skills in appropriate manners.
Language Development for Asperger’s
Language development in children with Asperger’s Syndrome is often typical in terms of verbal language. Children with Asperger’s Syndrome are generally delayed in their use of language.
Compared to other types of autism spectrum disorders, those diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome do not have significant delays or difficulties in language or cognitive development. They have extensive vocabulary.
While their language develops somewhat typically, their non-verbal language development declines as they grow up.
This decline in non-verbal language impacts the overall language development, as it is the structure supporting the functional communication.
Language development in people with AS may appear somewhat typical compared to other forms of autism.
However, the language challenges faced can be more complex and at a higher level compared to other forms of autism spectrum disorders.
Is It Autism or Asperger’s?
Asperger’s Syndrome became part of the umbrella diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The symptoms of autism and Asperger’s mostly overlap. Symptoms that distinguish Asperger’s from Autism diagnosis is the typical strong verbal language skills.
Individuals with Asperger’s Syndrome have difficulty in:
- Social interactions
- Restricted and repetitive behaviors
- Restricted interests
- Tendency to stick to routines
- Distinctive strengths
These vary from one person to another, just like ASD.
In addition to the symptoms above, individuals with autism strongly struggle with delayed language and communication.
If you feel like your child is suffering from delayed speech, they might be on the spectrum.
Are Asperger’s and Autism the Same?
Asperger’s Symptom was added in 1994 to the fourth edition of Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders of American Psychiatric Association.
This was a separate disorder from Autism back then. In 2013, the DSM-V removed Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders and gathered them under the umbrella diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Although it is no longer used, some professionals still consider Asperger’s Disorder a less severe form of autism.
In addition, some people who were previously diagnosed with the symptom still strongly identify with being with Asperger’s.
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What Should I Do If My Child Has Asperger’s?
As we mentioned numerous times before, Asperger’s Syndrome is no longer diagnosed as a condition by itself.
It is now a part of many disorders categorized under the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders.
If you are concerned that your child may have issues with their social development, unusual patterns and different behaviors, you should consult a pediatrician first.
Pediatrician will be able to assess the situation and may refer your child to a specialist if need be.
These specialists include developmental pediatricians, child clinical psychologists or other clinicians who are experienced in dealing with autism spectrum disorders. They will conduct certain tests to see if the child is on the spectrum.
The specialist will ask parents and caregivers various questions to determine the child’s development and other skills and issues.
They will also interact with the child to detect if there are any symptoms in terms of interacting with others. In this assessment, the child’s language abilities will also be examined.
Getting a correct diagnosis on your child’s disorder will be a great way to start to equip them with what they need to have a balanced and normal life.
It may be a difficult process for the parents and caregivers to get ASD diagnosis. But with professional help and your support, your child can receive therapies and interventions that will help them live an independent and a quality life.
Intervention for Autism and Asperger’s
Interventions and treatments for Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome should include various approaches and be tailored to the individual’s needs.
It is important to involve professionals, as well as parents and teachers.
Early intervention addresses core symptoms of AS/ASD and tackles poor communication skills and restricted and repetitive behaviors.
The following methods are used in the interventions for AS/ASD:
- Social skills training
- Speech-language therapy
- Behavior therapies
- Special education classes
- Medication
- Family support
- Occupational therapy
- Play therapy
The combination may change as each person’s developmental level and needs vary.
These are not “cures”. They are used to alleviate some of the symptoms and increase the quality of life for the individual on the spectrum.
What Are The Strengths of Asperger’s
Aside from the struggles people with Asperger’s and on the spectrum, they also have certain strengths in various aspects of life. Here are some of those strengths:
- Average to high intelligence
- Rich vocabulary
- Deep knowledge on topics of interest
- Visual way of thinking
- Thinking outside the box
- Strong focus
- Ability to spend time alone
- Ability to concentrate for long periods of time on activities
- Being detail-oriented
- Strong work ethic
- Ability to play with language
- Tendency to follow rules
Treatment Options for Autism
Every individual with autism is unique. They face different challenges and have various strengths. There is no specific treatment that will fit all.
There may also be additional medical conditions with autism, such as gastrointestinal issues. Addressing these conditions will improve the quality of life for the individual.
Therapies targeting communication and social skills as well as therapies that will teach other skills will also benefit the individual.
Treatment should be personalized for the individual’s specific needs. The treatment can involve behavioral interventions, therapies, or medication.
The following are used as treatment and interventions, by themselves or in combination with one another:
- Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)
- Speech Therapy
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
Treatments for Asperger’s
There is no “cure” for the syndrome. That being said, treatments can be used to help individuals cope with the symptoms.
Here are some of the treatments used:
Speech Therapy
Consulting a speech pathologist could be really helpful. This therapy could help with learning to control the voice.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
In this type of therapy, the individual can learn new social skills. Working with a cognitive behavioral therapist will help coping with emotional effects of the disorder, such as anxiety.
Medication
Prescription drugs can be used for adults to treat certain symptoms like hyperactivity. These are also used to try to reduce symptoms of Asperger’s. Some of these medications can include antipsychotics and serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Growing Up With Asperger’s
Having a developmental disorder can have a great toll on the individual’s life. Since people with Asperger’s have a tendency to be alone due to social difficulties, individuals can feel lonely and isolated.
People diagnosed with Asperger’s stated that they felt like they did not “fit in” when they were in elementary school.
The pressure from typically developed peers also did not help. Some state that they were made fun of due to their differences.
Having unusual interests may distance the individual with Asperger’s from their peers. While everyone is interested in sports or music, the individual may have limited interest in certain topics, such as reading books on certain topics.
The inability to make friends due to these may make the individual feel sad and depressed.
People with Asperger’s diagnosis stated that they were left behind in school as others did not understand or pay attention to their needs.
Their restricted and repetitive behaviors were considered “obsession”. Some also stated that their parents tried to overcorrect these behaviors and sometimes took away what they were interested in.
It is important to be educated towards the symptoms of developmental disorders like ASD.
Being nice and patient, and paying attention to their wants and needs could go a long way to help them have a quality life.
It is also significant to point out that whether the person was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome before the diagnosis was classified under ASD, these people still face challenges and the condition should be taken seriously.
A Labeling Problem
Because Asperger is called a “milder” and “high-functioning” form of autism, there is an incorrect assumption these children and adults lead more comfortable lives than those with other developmental disorders. This is not always the case. Children and adults with Asperger’s are fraught with many challenges. Much of the trouble comes in mutual misperceptions of social situations and speech. People with Asperger’s often do not “get” jokes, puns, or sarcasm. They may not read body language correctly. They may appear emotionless or unreactive.
As a result, people with Asperger’s may induce a kind-of self-isolation because they “don’t fit in”; similarly, peers may find them awkward or even rude. Those who experience this type of social isolation are especially vulnerable to anxiety and depression. They may be confused or frustrated, which leads to anger and volatility.
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Key Facts About Autism and Asperger’s
As of 2013, Asperger’s is no longer included in the DSM-V diagnostic manual.
It was removed and gathered under the umbrella term of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The following are some of the key facts about Autism/Asperger’s Syndrome:
- It is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects the way information is processed in the brain.
- It causes developmental delays and is a lifelong condition.
- Prevalence of autism was reported to be 1 in 36 by the CDC.
- Boys are 4.2 times more likely to be diagnosed.
- Girls and women are under-diagnosed.
- Individuals on the spectrum have average to high intelligence.
- Individuals on the spectrum are detailed oriented.
- They have specific topics of interests, about which they have a deep knowledge.
- Individuals on the spectrum have sensory sensitivity to certain sounds, smells, textures, etc.
- Social anxiety or anxiety in general is really common.
- Routines are really important, and if disrupted, individuals may be disturbed.
- People on the spectrum have difficulty understanding verbal and non-verbal language.
- Individuals with ASD struggle with understanding others’ feelings and thoughts.
The Takeaway
As we are currently without any bio- or psychological markers to draw a line separating (or connecting) Asperger’s and autism, the definitions will inevitably vary depending on who, when, and where. While the conclusion is that there is no definite conclusion (at least for now), the important takeaway here is that Asperger’s, regardless of being an autism spectrum disorder or not, should be taken and treated just as seriously.
Last Updated: March 2023
FAQs
Understanding The Difference Between Asperger And Autism | Otsimo? ›
The principal difference between autism and what was once diagnosed as Asperger's is that the latter features milder symptoms and an absence of language delays. Most children who were previously diagnosed with Asperger's have good language skills but may have difficulty “fitting in” with their peers.
What are the 3 main symptoms of Aspergers? ›- Inappropriate or minimal social interactions.
- Conversations that almost always revolve around themselves or a certain topic, rather than others.
- Not understanding emotions well or having less facial expression than others.
Asperger's syndrome is closely related. Identified for the first time in 1944 by Viennese psychologist Hans Asperger, it wasn't officially classified as a unique disorder until 1994. It shares all the features of high-functioning autism except that people with Asperger's don't have early delays in developing language.
What is a key difference between classic autism and Asperger's disorder people with Asperger's disorder? ›One of the key differences between autism and Asperger's is the level of support that the person usually requires in their day-to-day life. People with classic autism often require more support and intervention, whilst those with Asperger's may be able to function more independently.
What are the signs of high functioning Aspergers? ›- Repetitiveness. HFA is partly characterized by anobsession with a particular subject or activity. ...
- Emotional sensitivity. ...
- Social problems. ...
- Language peculiarities. ...
- Sensory difficulties. ...
- Little or no attention to caregivers.
Signs and symptoms of Asperger's syndrome
People with mild autism tend to have difficulty with social interactions. This can show itself as difficulty understanding others' feelings, expressing your own feelings, understanding gestures, and making eye contact.
Asperger's and autism are no longer considered separate diagnoses. People who may have previously received an Asperger's diagnosis instead now receive an autism diagnosis. But many people who were diagnosed with Asperger's before the diagnostic criteria changed in 2013 are still perceived as “having Asperger's.”
What does a child with Asperger's act like? ›Common symptoms of people with Asperger syndrome may seem like their body language may be off; They may speak in a monotone voice; They may not respond to other people's comments or emotions. They may not understand humor or a figure of speech. They may speak too loudly in social settings.
Why is Asperger's no longer a diagnosis? ›The reason behind the reclassification of Asperger's syndrome was its similarity to autism, and the fact that it was distinguished from the latter based simply on a lack of language and cognitive delay — which, interestingly, isn't something every individual on the spectrum experiences.
What is Aspergers confused with? ›Asperger's and ADHD are two conditions that are often confused because they have some overlap in symptoms such as social difficulties and impulsiveness. Additionally, it's common for people to have both conditions.
What level of autism is Aspergers? ›
Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (formerly known as Asperger's Syndrome)
Can you have Aspergers and not know? ›Most people are unaware of the symptoms of Asperger's syndrome. They include an unusually high IQ and a difficulty surviving in the social world. The fact that the symptoms vary in gender doesn't help.
What is an Asperger's meltdown in adults? ›What is an Asperger's meltdown? An Asperger's meltdown is when the person with Asperger's temporarily loses control of themselves because of an emotional response to environmental factors. This is not something that is caused by one specific thing.
What do adults with Aspergers struggle with? ›Asperger's in adults typically causes issues with communication, emotion regulation and interpretation, social interactions, and behavior. People who have Asperger's may also experience other conditions, such as depression, anxiety, or OCD.
Do adults with Aspergers have anger issues? ›Individuals with ASDs commonly have a low frustration tolerance and significant irritability. They may report that they alternate from calm to extreme anger very quickly. There have been several studies that suggest individuals with ASDs have difficulty understanding and interpreting their own emotions.
Which parent carries Asperger's gene? ›Does The Father Or Mother Carry The Autism Gene? Autism was always thought to have a maternal inheritance component, however, research suggests that the rarer variants associated with the disorder are usually inherited from the father.
What happens if Asperger's goes untreated? ›Some of the effects of unaddressed or untreated Asperger's syndrome may include: Social isolation. Difficulty making and keeping friends. Challenges in finding and maintaining steady employment.
Is Asperger's hereditary or genetic? ›The cause of Asperger syndrome, like most ASDs, is not fully understood, but there is a strong genetic basis, which means it does tend to run in families. Multiple environmental factors are also thought to play an important role in the development of all ASDs.
What is Asperger's speech pattern? ›Speech pattern is marked by a lack of rhythm, odd inflection or monotone pitch. Isolation from social settings due to poor social skills and limited interests. Impaired ability to use or understand non-verbal behavior such as eye gaze, facial expressions or body language.
How do you test for Aspergers? ›- A physical, psychological, and/or neurological exam.
- Hearing, speech, or language tests.
- An IQ and/or personality test.
- An electroencephalography (EEG), a test that looks at electrical activity in the brain.
- A brain scan, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
What is the personality type of someone with Aspergers? ›
Autism Corner: Personality Types in Asperger's: Fixated, Disruptive, Approach and Avoidant. Fixated Personality–The fixated personality type can be characterized by a preoccupation with orderliness, perfectionism, and the need to control one's environment (e.g., to have things in a particular order).
Can you have Aspergers and not be smart? ›A great many individuals with autism are also intellectually disabled. Those with Asperger's syndrome, in contrast, must by definition have suffered no cognitive delay during their first 3 years of life. This means that they will usually have at least a “normal” IQ.
Who has Aspergers syndrome celebrities? ›- Dan Aykroyd. Dan Aykroyd is a Canadian actor, comedian, and writer. ...
- Daryl Hannah. ...
- Jim Carrey. ...
- Susan Boyle. ...
- Temple Grandin. ...
- Tim Burton. ...
- Courtney Love. ...
- Sir Anthony Hopkins.
Asperger's Syndrome is a form of autism, which is a lifelong disability that affects how a person makes sense of the world, processes information and relates to other people.
What not to say to a child with Asperger's? ›- “Don't worry, everyone's a little Autistic.” No. ...
- “You must be like Rainman or something.” Here we go again… not everyone on the spectrum is a genius. ...
- “Do you take medication for that?” This breaks my heart every time I hear it. ...
- “I have social issues too. ...
- “You seem so normal!
Many kids are diagnosed after age 3, with most diagnosed between the ages of 5 and 9. AS is characterized by poor social interactions, obsessions, odd speech patterns, few facial expressions, and other peculiar mannerisms. Often, kids with AS have trouble reading the body language of others.
Do kids with Aspergers have meltdowns? ›Many children with Asperger profiles have meltdowns. After a meltdown parents can feel exhausted and wonder if they responded correctly.
What geniuses had Asperger's? ›Some Aspergers investigators hypothesize that well-known figures, such as Thomas Jefferson, Jeremy Bentham, Albert Einstein, Isaac Newton, Glenn Gould and Ludwig Wittgenstein had Aspergers because they showed some Aspergers-related tendencies or behaviors, such as intense interest in one subject, and/or social problems ...
What does high functioning autism look like? ›Symptoms. Like all people on the autism spectrum, people who are high functioning have a hard time with social interaction and communication. They don't naturally read social cues and might find it difficult to make friends. They can get so stressed by a social situation that they shut down.
What are autistic hand gestures? ›About stimming and autism
Stimming might include: hand and finger mannerisms – for example, finger-flicking and hand-flapping. unusual body movements – for example, rocking back and forth while sitting or standing. posturing – for example, holding hands or fingers out at an angle or arching the back while sitting.
What is the average IQ of someone with Aspergers? ›
Nevertheless, one clinical study with slightly more precise information on IQ in ASD reported that 23% of the participants had an IQ < 85, while 45% had an average IQ, and 32% had an IQ above average (10).
Do people with Aspergers talk different? ›Some people with Asperger's speak in a formal manner and with less voice inflection. They may speak loudly or go on tangents during conversations and may have one-sided conversations and difficulty detecting changes in the topic.
Can a child have autistic traits but not be autistic? ›People with the BAP have some traits common to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but not enough to have the disorder. But it's not comedians who have drawn scientific scrutiny for having the BAP: it's the parents and siblings of people who actually have autism.
Can a person with Aspergers feel love? ›In the past, it was believed that a diagnosis of Asperger's or autism was incompatible with love and relationships. But love is an emotion that can be fully experienced by nearly anyone, despite differences in perception, social interaction patterns, or emotional expression.
What is the mildest form of autism? ›If you still hear people use some of the older terms, you'll want to know what they mean: Asperger's syndrome. This is on the milder end of the autism spectrum. A person with Asperger's may be very intelligent and able to handle their daily life.
What is a Level 1 Asperger's syndrome? ›Defining the Traits and Behaviors of Level 1 Autism
Difficulty switching between activities. Problems with executive functioning which hinder independence. Atypical response to others in social situations. Difficulty initiating social interactions and maintaining reciprocity in social interaction.
They may manifest feelings less outwardly, or their facial expression might not match what the individual is feeling inside. People with Asperger profiles do have empathy, despite an unfortunate stigma that suggests otherwise.
Do people with Aspergers understand? ›People with Asperger syndrome often have difficulty 'reading' other people - recognising or understanding others' feelings and intentions - and expressing their own emotions. This can make it very hard for them to navigate the social world.
Can you be slightly Aspergers? ›Asperger's: Not a One-Size-Fits-All Disorder
The disorder manifests itself in various ways, and many people experience different symptoms than others do. Some have only mild issues, while some face major challenges.
Asperger's and ADHD are two conditions that are often confused because they have some overlap in symptoms such as social difficulties and impulsiveness. Additionally, it's common for people to have both conditions.
How do adults with Aspergers behave? ›
People with Asperger's syndrome usually don't understand conventional social rules, they may not make eye contact with other people or they may seem unable to understand sarcasm.
Do people with Aspergers struggle with love? ›Love and Affection
People with an autism spectrum disorder have difficulties understanding and expressing emotions, and an emotion that is particularly confusing to people with ASD is love.
Meltdowns tend to be triggered by sensory overload, communication issues, and/or social situations. People who experience meltdowns tend to describe them as a complete loss of control which, once they're able to reflect, was found to be triggered by a relatively minor stimulus.
Does Asperger's run in families? ›The cause of Asperger syndrome, like most ASDs, is not fully understood, but there is a strong genetic basis, which means it does tend to run in families. Multiple environmental factors are also thought to play an important role in the development of all ASDs.
What mental illness is similar to Aspergers? ›- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) The symptoms of OCD, such as compulsive hand washing, cleaning or touching items like doorknobs, can resemble the repetitive motions of autism. ...
- Antisocial personality disorder. ...
- Schizophrenia. ...
- Learning disorders. ...
- Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)
Asperger's and autism are no longer considered separate diagnoses. People who may have previously received an Asperger's diagnosis instead now receive an autism diagnosis. But many people who were diagnosed with Asperger's before the diagnostic criteria changed in 2013 are still perceived as “having Asperger's.”
Do people with Aspergers learn differently? ›People with Asperger's syndrome see, hear and feel the world differently to other people. People with Asperger's syndrome will not usually have a learning disability, however they may experience challenges such as specific learning difficulties, anxiety or other conditions.
Do adults with Aspergers have empathy? ›They may manifest feelings less outwardly, or their facial expression might not match what the individual is feeling inside. People with Asperger profiles do have empathy, despite an unfortunate stigma that suggests otherwise.