This article explores the differences between Asperger’s and Autism. Despite similarities between the two conditions, there are many differences between their presentation, symptoms, and even how they are diagnosed. Flywheel Centers explains more about the two here.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, behave, and learn. An individual is born with this disorder, and its reason is complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors.
Prevalence of Autism
| Statistic | Data |
| Global autism prevalence | 1 in 100 children |
| U.S autism prevalence | 1 in 36 children |
The prevalence of autism in the US is higher than the average around the rest of the world. Within this, boys are many times more likely to be diagnosed with autism than girls.
Signs and Symptoms of Autism
When diagnosing autism vs Asperger’s, professionals use the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM-5, produced by the American Psychiatric Association. The DSM-5 lists the signs and symptoms of autism and states how many of them need to be present for children to be diagnosed with autism. Below you will find some of the signs and symptoms of autism as classified by the DSM-5:
Differences in social communication skills
- Expressing themselves differently than others
- Avoiding eye contact
- Difficulty making friends/not showing interest in others
- Using different facial expressions
- Not responding when spoken to or called upon by name
Sensory sensitivities and repetitive behavior
- Sensitivity to light, noise, and different textures
- Difficulty transitioning between different activities
- Using repetitive words or sounds
- Hand flapping, rocking, or spinning objects
Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s syndrome, a subform of autism, is a developmental disorder. People with Aspergers may have a hard time communicating with others, engage in repetitive behaviors, and have a narrow range of interests.
History of Asperger’s Syndrome
In 1944, Hans Asperger, an Austrian physician, noted for his early studies on atypical neurology, described Asperger’s syndrome as the behavioral characterization of individuals with difficulties in communication and social interaction. It was first introduced as a distinct diagnostic category in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-4, 1994). However, in 2013 it was removed from the next edition (DSM-5) and was incorporated into the broader category known as autism spectrum disorder.
Characteristics of Asperger’s vs Autism Spectrum
Aspergers is generally known to be a milder form of autism. People with Aspergers often have normal or above-average intelligence and language skills but tend to struggle with social interactions and non-verbal communication. Below we have outlined some of the characteristics of Asperger’s Syndrome.
Communication and Social Characteristics:
- Difficulty interacting: People with Asperger’s may have a difficult time showing interest in interacting socially and making ‘small talk’
- Below-average non-verbal skills: Individuals with Asperger’s syndrome may have a challenging time picking up on non-verbal cues, like hand gestures, body language, or facial expressions.
- Lack of eye contact: People with Asperger’s may find it hard to hold eye contact while conversing with others.
Behavioral Characteristics:
- Repetitive behaviors: Engaging in repetitive behaviors is common for those with Asperger’s syndrome This may be going about the same routine every single day or doing certain activities in the same, very specific manner.
- Sensory sensitivity: People with Asperger’s may react strongly to sensory stimuli. They may be sensitive to different lighting, sounds, tastes, or textures.
- Intense interest in topics: When a specific topic fascinates an individual with Asperger’s, they will focus intensely on that topic and obsess over it.
Intellectual Characteristics:
- Above-average intelligence: Individuals with Asperger’s often possess a normal to above-average intelligence level.
- Exceptional language- skills: Individuals with Asperger’s often have strong verbal skills and vocabulary skills
Diagnostic Process for Asperger’s Syndrome
It may take several years before an individual with Asperger’s symptoms is recognized and properly diagnosed. Asperger’s patients are generally very high-functioning but are often challenged with social interaction and interpersonal relationships. The symptoms can be subtle so they may often be overlooked.
There are no specific tests to diagnose Asperger’s syndrome. A doctor or health professional will observe the child to see if they meet the criteria for an Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis.
The diagnosis will be based on the following areas:
- Social and emotional abilities:
- Communication skills
- Learning abilities
- Movement skills
- Special interests
Autism Spectrum Disorder vs Asperger’s Syndrome: Are They Different?
Asperger’s syndrome is a subtype of autism but is not considered a separate diagnosis in the United States. It is included under the umbrella term of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Autism and Asperger’s syndrome do share many similarities but there are some significant differences between the two.
Asperger’s and Autism Differences:
| Asperger’s Syndrome | Autism Spectrum Disorder |
| Normal or above-average intelligence | Intellectual disabilities or delays in language |
| Better communication skills | Difficulty with communication |
| Associated with milder symptoms | Associated with more severe symptoms |
| Sometimes diagnosed late in childhood | Normally diagnosed early on in childhood |
Autism and Asperger’s Similarities:
While there are similarities between Asperger’s and autism, the symptoms tend to be more highlighted and recognizable in autism vs Asperger’s syndrome.
- Restricted and Repetitive Behaviors: Both conditions can involve repetitive behaviors or movements and intense interest in specific topics.
- Sensory sensitivities: Sensitivity to lights, noises, textures, and temperatures are common in both conditions.
- Social Difficulties: People with autism and Asperger’s often experience difficulties in understanding social cues, making it challenging for them to cultivate relationships.
What is The Difference Between Autism and Asperger’s?
The main difference between Autism and Asperger’s is that generally, an individual with Asperger’s will present with more mild symptoms than someone with Autism. Though both conditions can cause sensory and communication difficulties, Autism will have a larger effect than Asperger’s and is therefore often diagnosed earlier. Occasionally, there might be confusion about whether an individual presents with high-functioning autism vs Asperger’s.
Treatment and Management Strategies
Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA): ABA is the most commonly used therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. It helps individuals with autism learn and develop skills to improve and manage their behaviors. While anyone with autism at any age can benefit from ABA, it is a great early intervention approach for children with autism.
ABA uses different techniques that help children with autism and Asperger’s syndrome, learn new skills according to their unique abilities including the following:
- Discrete Trial Training (DTT): focuses on breaking down lessons and skills so that children can learn things more manageably.
- Pivotal Response Training (PRT): Helps children develop motivation to learn and communicate.
- Verbal Behavior Intervention (VBI): Focuses on language skills
Early Intensive Behavioral Intervention (EIBI): Takes very complex skills and breaks them down into more approachable components.
Other Interventions for Autism Spectrum Disorder:
Aside from ABA therapy, the following are other forms of intervention to consider:
- Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapy is great for helping autistic children develop basic life skills, like eating on their own, dressing themselves, and bathing. Autistic children need to learn to develop these skills so they can live as independently as possible.
- Medications: Autism is not an illness and there is no medication to treat it. However, there are medicines to help with related symptoms, such as seizures, depression, insomnia, and trouble focusing.
Research suggests that any medication used to reduce symptoms of autism is most effective when it’s combined with behavioral therapies.
Risperidone and Aripiprazole are the only FDA-approved drugs for children with ASD. Risperidone can help with irritability and aggression for children ages 5 to 16.
Other Interventions for Asperger’s Syndrome:
As mentioned above, ABA therapy has been proven to be beneficial to people with Asperger’s Syndrome, but some other therapies and interventions can be valuable as well.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a type of psychotherapeutic treatment that helps individuals how thoughts and feelings influence behavior and cope with these difficulties. CBT can address conditions in an individual with Asperger’s Syndrome, such as anxiety, depression, and other psychological challenges. It can also help individuals with Asperger’s reduce their repetitive routines and obsessive behaviors.
- Social Skills Training: Most kids and adults with Asperger’s don’t have difficulties with language, however, they may not know how to express their thoughts and feelings appropriately. This therapy can help individuals with Asperger’s recognize and understand social cues, like hand gestures and figures of speech.
- Sensory Integration/ Occupational Therapy: People with Asperger’s may struggle with activities that require fine motor skills. Sensory integration therapy helps them stabilize their senses. An occupational therapist can help those with Asperger’s perform activities that improve their balance, hand-eye coordination, and responses to sounds or touch.
Aspergers vs Autism: Embracing Diversity in the Spectrum
Understanding the cognitive and behavioral patterns associated with autism spectrum disorder and Asperger’s Syndrome can provide great insight into the unique strengths and challenges of individuals with these conditions.
By embracing neurodiversity we promote equal opportunities for those on the autism spectrum. This includes creating environments that celebrate neurodivergent individuals, providing them with the support and understanding they deserve.
Supporting People With Autism and Asperger’s
At Flywheel Centers, a state-of-the-art ABA therapy center, our team of highly experienced therapists are dedicated to providing those on the autism spectrum with the tools they need to live a life of quality. We design treatment plans according to each child’s unique abilities and skill sets. Contact us today to learn more about our therapy options.
