Difference Between Autism and Asperger's Syndrome

Published on 06-May-2023

Feature Autism Asperger's Syndrome
Definition Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects social communication, interaction, and behavior. Asperger's syndrome is a subtype of autism that is characterized by difficulties with social interaction, communication, and nonverbal cues, but without significant delays in language or cognitive development.
Age of Diagnosis Autism is usually diagnosed in early childhood, typically by age 2-3. Asperger's syndrome is usually diagnosed in late childhood or adolescence, typically between ages 5-9 and 11-14.
Severity Autism can range from mild to severe, with some individuals requiring significant support for daily living, while others can live independently. Asperger's syndrome is considered a milder form of autism, with individuals typically having average to above-average intelligence and fewer language and cognitive delays than those with autism.
Social Interaction Autism is characterized by significant difficulties with social interaction, including making and maintaining eye contact, interpreting social cues, and understanding emotions. Asperger's syndrome is also characterized by difficulties with social interaction, but individuals with this condition may have a stronger desire for social interaction and may be more talkative than those with autism.
Communication Autism is characterized by significant difficulties with verbal and nonverbal communication, including delayed language development, echolalia (repeating words or phrases), and difficulty understanding and using gestures. Asperger's syndrome is also characterized by difficulties with communication, but individuals with this condition often have a larger vocabulary and fewer delays in language development than those with autism.
Repetitive Behaviors Autism is characterized by repetitive behaviors and restricted interests, such as repetitive movements (e.g., hand-flapping), fixations on certain objects or topics, and resistance to changes in routine. Asperger's syndrome is also characterized by repetitive behaviors and restricted interests, but individuals with this condition may have more specific and intense interests and may be less rigid in their routines than those with autism.
Sensory Issues Autism is often associated with sensory issues, such as over- or under-sensitivity to sounds, lights, textures, or smells. Asperger's syndrome is also associated with sensory issues, but individuals with this condition may have fewer and less severe sensory sensitivities than those with autism.
Intellectual Disability Autism is often associated with intellectual disability, with approximately 50% of individuals with autism having an IQ below 70. Asperger's syndrome is not typically associated with intellectual disability, and individuals with this condition usually have average to above-average intelligence.
Co-Occurring Conditions Autism is often associated with co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD, anxiety, depression, and epilepsy. Asperger's syndrome is also often associated with co-occurring conditions, but individuals with this condition may be less likely to have severe behavioral or emotional problems than those with autism.
Diagnosis Criteria Autism is diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms in three main areas: social communication, social interaction, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. Asperger's syndrome is diagnosed based on the presence of symptoms in the areas of social interaction and restricted/repetitive behaviors, without significant delays in language or cognitive development.
Treatment Autism is typically treated with a combination of behavioral therapy, medication, and educational interventions. Asperger's syndrome is also typically treated with a combination of behavioral therapy, medication, and educational interventions, with a focus on developing social skills and managing repetitive behaviors.

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