Skip to content

What is Asperger’s and high functioning Asperger’s? What are the characteristics of Asperger’s in adults? What is the difference between Asperger’s and autism? What is high functioning Asperger’s? What is mild Asperger’s?

What is Asperger’s and high functioning Asperger’s? What are the characteristics of Asperger’s in adults? What is the difference between Asperger’s and autism? What is high functioning Asperger’s? What is mild Asperger’s?

Asperger’s Disorder was a diagnosis named after Hans Asperger (1906-80) who first described the condition in a paper presented in 1944. It was a diagnosis in DSM-IV from 1994 to 2013, so individuals diagnosed in those years may have have an Asperger diagnosis.

While a person must also have differences in social communication, social interaction, and restricted and repetitive behaviours to receive a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome a person must have had:

  • A lack of language delay;
  • Average or above average intelligence.

Currently, under the DSM-5, Asperger’s Disorder is not included in the diagnostic criteria. If a person is seeking an autism assessment, they will be diagnosed with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or not.