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Since being diagnosed with ADD (ADHD), I am convinced I also have Autism, Asperger’s or both?
In this blog I will explore the commonalities and differences between Asperger’s and Autism, shedding light on their diagnostic criteria, social characteristics, cognitive patterns, and developmental trajectories.
Introduction:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) encompasses a broad range of neurodevelopmental conditions that affect individuals’ social interactions, communication, and behaviour.
Within the autism spectrum, two frequently discussed conditions are Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism.
Commonalities:
- Spectrum Disorder:
Both Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism are classified as Autism Spectrum Disorders, indicating that they share fundamental features related to social communication and interaction difficulties, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviours. However, they differ primarily in their severity and symptom manifestation. - Social Communication Impairments:
Individuals with both Asperger’s and Autism encounter challenges in understanding and using verbal and nonverbal forms of communication. Difficulties in maintaining reciprocal conversations, understanding social cues, and interpreting facial expressions are common to both conditions. - Restricted Interests and Repetitive Behaviours:
People with Asperger’s and Autism often exhibit repetitive behaviours and engage in intense, narrow interests. These interests may become a focal point of their lives and tend to be pursued with great enthusiasm. Examples could include an obsession with trains, collecting objects, or a deep fascination with a particular topic.
Differences:
- Language Development:
One of the primary distinctions between Asperger’s and Autism lies in language development. Individuals with Asperger’s typically acquire language skills within the expected age range and may even exhibit advanced vocabulary or grammar usage. In contrast, those with Autism often experience language delays and may struggle with expressive and receptive language skills. - Intelligence and Cognitive Abilities:
Individuals with Asperger’s and Autism can display a wide range of intellectual abilities. While Autism can be associated with intellectual disability, Asperger’s is typically characterised by average or above-average intelligence. As a result, individuals with Asperger’s often exhibit exceptional rote memory, attention to detail, and specialised knowledge in their areas of interest. - Diagnostic Criteria:
Historically, Asperger’s and Autism were considered separate diagnoses. However, with the introduction of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), published in 2013, the diagnostic category was consolidated into Autism Spectrum Disorder. As a result, the diagnostic distinction between Asperger’s and Autism has become less relevant, and healthcare professionals now use a single diagnosis of ASD, with varying severity levels. - Early Language and Cognitive Development:
Some research suggests that individuals with Asperger’s may demonstrate better early language and cognitive development compared to those with Autism. Children with Asperger’s might reach developmental milestones earlier, exhibit better adaptive skills, and present fewer behavioural challenges during early childhood.
Conclusion:
Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism share commonalities in terms of being classified as Autism Spectrum Disorders, social communication impairments, and restricted interests and repetitive behaviours. However, they differ in language development, cognitive abilities, diagnostic criteria, and early developmental trajectories.
It is important to note that since the consolidation of diagnoses under ASD, the specific term “Asperger’s Syndrome” may no longer be used in clinical settings, and healthcare professionals now focus on assessing the severity level and individual needs of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Understanding these commonalities and differences aids in developing tailored interventions, support strategies, and a more inclusive society that accommodates the diverse needs of individuals on the autism spectrum.
And Finally…
If you have any comments on any part of this, advice / suggestions or questions that I may be able to assist you with, please feel free to contact me at pete@weareneurodiverse.com or add a comment below and I will get back to you as soon as I can 
Thank you & take care,
Pete
