Asperger’s vs Autism: What Is the Difference?
The difference between Asperger’s and autism, why Asperger’s is now part of the autism spectrum, how the diagnosis changed, and what this means today.
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Ponlawat Pitsuwan, Physician and Addiction Medicine Specialist, Phuket Island Rehab.
Asperger’s and autism are no longer considered separate conditions: Asperger’s syndrome is now understood as part of the autism spectrum, and it is no longer a separate diagnosis in current diagnostic systems. Historically, Asperger’s syndrome was a diagnosis used for people who had the social communication differences and restricted, repetitive interests and behaviours associated with autism, but without the language delay or intellectual disability that were part of the older definition of autism, often describing people with average or above-average intelligence and good language skills. In 2013, the diagnostic manual used in the United States, the DSM-5, removed Asperger’s as a separate diagnosis and folded it, along with several other previously separate conditions, into a single umbrella diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). So today, what used to be called Asperger’s is generally diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder, often described as being at the milder end or as level 1, requiring less support. The key point is that Asperger’s and autism are not two different things but reflect the understanding that autism is a spectrum, and that people once given an Asperger’s diagnosis are part of that spectrum. Many people previously diagnosed with Asperger’s still identify with the term, even though it is no longer an official diagnosis.
Asperger’s vs autism: the key point
The most important thing to understand about Asperger’s versus autism is that they are no longer considered separate conditions. Asperger’s syndrome is now understood as part of the autism spectrum, and it is no longer a separate diagnosis in the main current diagnostic systems. Historically, Asperger’s and autism were diagnosed as distinct conditions, with Asperger’s used for a particular presentation, but the understanding of autism has evolved, and Asperger’s has been folded into the broader diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. So rather than being two different things, Asperger’s and autism reflect the modern understanding that autism is a spectrum, with people who would once have been diagnosed with Asperger’s now understood as being part of that spectrum, typically at what is often described as the milder end.
This article explains the difference between Asperger’s and autism, including what Asperger’s syndrome historically referred to, how and why it has been folded into the autism spectrum, what this change means today, and the fact that many people still identify with the term Asperger’s even though it is no longer an official diagnosis. The aim is a clear, accurate, and respectful understanding of how these terms relate, which can be confusing given the change in diagnostic practice. Understanding that Asperger’s is now part of the autism spectrum, rather than a separate condition, helps make sense of the terminology and reflects the broader, more accurate understanding of autism as a diverse spectrum that has developed over recent decades.
What Asperger’s syndrome historically referred to
Historically, Asperger’s syndrome was a diagnosis used for people who had the core features associated with autism, namely differences in social communication and interaction, and restricted, repetitive interests, behaviours, or patterns, but without the language delay or intellectual disability that were part of the older definition of autism. In other words, Asperger’s was often used to describe people who had autistic characteristics, such as finding social interaction and communication challenging and having intense, focused interests, but who had average or above-average intelligence and good language skills, having developed speech in the typical way. People diagnosed with Asperger’s were sometimes described as being at the higher-functioning end, though such terms are now used with more caution.
The features associated with Asperger’s, which are autistic features, include differences in social understanding and interaction, such as finding it hard to read social cues, understand unwritten social rules, or manage social situations; intense, focused interests in particular topics; a preference for routine and predictability and difficulty with change; and sometimes sensory sensitivities and other characteristics. These are the same kinds of features seen across autism, which is precisely why Asperger’s came to be understood as part of the autism spectrum rather than a separate condition. The distinction that had defined Asperger’s, the absence of language delay or intellectual disability, came to be seen as describing one part of the autism spectrum rather than a fundamentally different condition, which is reflected in the change to how it is diagnosed.
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Are they separate conditions? | No: Asperger’s is now part of the autism spectrum |
| Historical Asperger’s | Autistic features without language delay or intellectual disability |
| Current diagnosis | Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) |
| When it changed | 2013, with the DSM-5 |
| Often described as | Milder end / level 1 / needing less support |
| The term today | No longer official, but many still identify with it |
How the diagnosis changed
The major change came in 2013, when the diagnostic manual widely used in the United States, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, known as the DSM-5, removed Asperger’s syndrome as a separate diagnosis. Along with several other previously separate conditions, Asperger’s was folded into a single umbrella diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The reasoning behind this change was that research and clinical experience increasingly showed that these conditions, including Asperger’s and autism, were not fundamentally distinct but were better understood as parts of a single spectrum, varying in presentation and severity, and that the boundaries between the previously separate diagnoses were not clear or consistent. Bringing them together under autism spectrum disorder reflected this more unified, spectrum-based understanding.
Under the current system, then, what used to be diagnosed as Asperger’s is generally diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder, often with an indication of the level of support needed, with the presentation formerly called Asperger’s typically corresponding to what may be described as the milder end, or level 1, requiring less support. The autism spectrum diagnosis recognises that autism varies widely between individuals, in the nature and intensity of features and the support a person needs, with Asperger’s representing one part of that range. It is worth noting that some other diagnostic systems and their timelines have differed, but the overall direction has been toward understanding autism as a single spectrum. This change in diagnosis reflects an evolution in understanding rather than a change in the people themselves.
What this means today
What the change means in practice is that today, someone who has the presentation formerly called Asperger’s would generally receive a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder rather than Asperger’s syndrome. The understanding is that they are autistic, part of the autism spectrum, with a particular presentation that is often at the milder end in terms of support needs, though autism affects each person differently and support needs vary. This unified approach is generally seen as more accurate and helpful, as it recognises the spectrum nature of autism and avoids drawing artificial lines between presentations that are really points on a continuum. It also means that the support, understanding, and approaches relevant to autism apply to those formerly diagnosed with Asperger’s.
At the same time, it is important to recognise that many people who were diagnosed with Asperger’s, or who identify with the presentation, still use and identify with the term Asperger’s, even though it is no longer an official diagnosis. For some, the term is part of their identity and how they understand themselves, and some prefer it. This is a matter of personal preference and identity, and it is respectful to acknowledge how individuals choose to describe themselves. So while the official diagnostic term is now autism spectrum disorder, the term Asperger’s remains in use informally and as a matter of identity for many. The key point throughout is that Asperger’s and autism are not separate conditions but reflect the understanding of autism as a single, diverse spectrum, of which the Asperger’s presentation is one part.
Understanding and support
Whether described as Asperger’s or as autism spectrum disorder, the autistic person is the same, and what matters most is understanding and appropriate support. Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference, not an illness to be cured, and many autistic people, including those with the Asperger’s presentation, have significant strengths alongside the challenges they may face, such as deep knowledge in areas of interest, attention to detail, honesty, and unique perspectives. Support, where needed, focuses on understanding, acceptance, accommodations, and help with any specific challenges, such as social communication, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or particular difficulties, rather than trying to change who the person fundamentally is. Understanding, acceptance, and the right support help autistic people thrive.
It is also worth noting that autistic people, including those with the Asperger’s presentation, can experience co-occurring difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and, in some cases, mental health or substance use problems, sometimes related to the stress of navigating a world not designed for them, and these deserve understanding and appropriate support too. If you or someone you love is autistic, or seeking to understand a diagnosis or identity related to Asperger’s or autism, accurate understanding and appropriate support are valuable. A doctor, autism specialist, or relevant support service can provide assessment, understanding, and help where needed. The most important things are accurate understanding, acceptance of autistic people as they are, and appropriate, respectful support for any challenges, which allow autistic individuals to live full and meaningful lives.
Summary
Asperger’s and autism are no longer considered separate conditions: Asperger’s syndrome is now understood as part of the autism spectrum, and it is no longer a separate diagnosis in current diagnostic systems. Historically, Asperger’s was a diagnosis used for people who had the social communication differences and restricted, repetitive interests and behaviours associated with autism, but without the language delay or intellectual disability that were part of the older definition of autism, often describing people with average or above-average intelligence and good language skills. In 2013, the DSM-5 removed Asperger’s as a separate diagnosis and folded it, along with several other conditions, into a single umbrella diagnosis called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). So today, what used to be called Asperger’s is generally diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder, often described as the milder end or level 1, requiring less support. The key point is that Asperger’s and autism are not two different things but reflect the understanding that autism is a spectrum, and that people once given an Asperger’s diagnosis are part of that spectrum. Many people previously diagnosed with Asperger’s still identify with the term, even though it is no longer an official diagnosis.
As Dr. Ponlawat Pitsuwan, addiction medicine specialist at Phuket Island Rehab, puts it, “The confusion around Asperger’s versus autism is really a story about how our understanding evolved. We used to draw a line, Asperger’s for people with autistic traits but no language delay or learning disability, autism for the rest. But the more we learned, the clearer it became that these are not separate conditions, they are points on one continuous spectrum. So in 2013 the DSM-5 brought them together under autism spectrum disorder. What I always add, though, is that many people still proudly call themselves Aspies, and that is their identity to claim. The label matters less than understanding, accepting, and supporting the person as they are.”
Frequently asked questions
Is Asperger’s the same as autism?
Asperger’s and autism are not separate conditions; Asperger’s syndrome is now understood as part of the autism spectrum. Historically, Asperger’s was a diagnosis for people with the social communication differences and restricted, repetitive interests associated with autism but without the language delay or intellectual disability that were part of the older definition of autism. In 2013, the DSM-5 removed Asperger’s as a separate diagnosis and folded it into a single umbrella diagnosis, autism spectrum disorder (ASD). So today, what was called Asperger’s is generally diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder, often at the milder end. The key point is that they are not two different things but reflect the understanding of autism as a single, diverse spectrum, of which the Asperger’s presentation is one part.
Why is Asperger’s no longer a diagnosis?
Asperger’s was removed as a separate diagnosis in 2013, when the DSM-5 folded it, along with several other previously separate conditions, into a single umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. The reasoning was that research and clinical experience increasingly showed these conditions were not fundamentally distinct but were better understood as parts of a single spectrum, varying in presentation and severity, and that the boundaries between the previously separate diagnoses were not clear or consistent. Bringing them together under autism spectrum disorder reflected this more unified, spectrum-based understanding, which is generally seen as more accurate. So Asperger’s is no longer a separate diagnosis because the understanding of autism evolved toward recognising it as a single spectrum rather than a set of distinct conditions.
What was the difference between Asperger’s and autism?
Under the older diagnostic system, the main distinction was that Asperger’s was used for people who had the core autistic features, social communication differences and restricted, repetitive interests and behaviours, but without the language delay or intellectual disability that were part of the older definition of autism. So Asperger’s often described people with autistic characteristics who had average or above-average intelligence and good language skills, having developed speech typically. However, the features themselves were the same kinds of autistic features seen across the spectrum, which is why the distinction came to be seen as describing one part of the autism spectrum rather than a fundamentally different condition. This is why Asperger’s was eventually folded into autism spectrum disorder.
Is Asperger’s now called autism spectrum disorder?
Yes. Under the current diagnostic system, what used to be diagnosed as Asperger’s is generally diagnosed as autism spectrum disorder (ASD), often with an indication of the level of support needed, with the Asperger’s presentation typically corresponding to what may be described as the milder end, or level 1, requiring less support. The autism spectrum diagnosis recognises that autism varies widely between individuals, with Asperger’s representing one part of that range. So the official term is now autism spectrum disorder. However, many people previously diagnosed with Asperger’s still use and identify with the term Asperger’s, which is a matter of personal preference and identity, and is respectfully acknowledged even though it is no longer an official diagnostic term.
Do people still use the term Asperger’s?
Yes. Although Asperger’s is no longer an official diagnosis, many people who were diagnosed with it, or who identify with the presentation, still use and identify with the term, sometimes describing themselves informally as Aspies. For some, the term is part of their identity and how they understand themselves, and some prefer it to autism spectrum disorder. This is a matter of personal preference and identity, and it is respectful to acknowledge how individuals choose to describe themselves. So while the official diagnostic term is now autism spectrum disorder, the term Asperger’s remains in use informally and as a matter of identity for many people. Both terms ultimately refer to the same autistic individuals, who are part of the autism spectrum.
What support do people with Asperger’s or autism need?
Support depends on the individual, as autism affects each person differently and support needs vary widely. Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference, not an illness to be cured, and support focuses on understanding, acceptance, accommodations, and help with any specific challenges, such as social communication, sensory sensitivities, anxiety, or particular difficulties, rather than trying to change who the person fundamentally is. Many autistic people, including those with the Asperger’s presentation, have significant strengths alongside any challenges. Autistic people can also experience co-occurring difficulties such as anxiety, depression, or substance use, which deserve appropriate support. The most important things are accurate understanding, acceptance, and respectful, individualised support, which help autistic people thrive and live full, meaningful lives.
Sources
American Psychiatric Association. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5-TR): Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.psychiatry.org/
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/autism-spectrum-disorders-asd
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/
National Health Service (NHS). Autism. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/
National Autistic Society. Asperger Syndrome and Autism. https://www.autism.org.uk/
National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus). Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://medlineplus.gov/
Asperger’s vs autism — key entities and related terms
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