Asperger’s Syndrome

Asperger’s syndrome is a developmental disorder that falls within the autism spectrum, characterized by persistent difficulties in social interaction and communication, coupled with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. Unlike other forms of autism, individuals with Asperger’s typically exhibit normal to above-average intelligence and do not show significant delays in language or cognitive development. However, they may exhibit challenges in pragmatics of language or understand non-literal language such as irony, humor, or metaphor. The condition is named after the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger, who first described it in 1944.

Diagnosing Asperger’s syndrome involves a comprehensive evaluation that includes assessments of the individual’s social behavior and communication skills. The distinct features of Asperger’s may become apparent during early childhood, but the diagnosis is often made later when the demands of the social environment exceed the person's abilities. Management of Asperger’s involves educational support, behavioral therapy, and interventions designed to improve social skills. While there is no cure, with appropriate support, many individuals with Asperger’s lead full and independent lives. It's important to note that as of 2013, the American Psychiatric Association merged Asperger’s syndrome into the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in its diagnostic manual, DSM-5.