Defining Asperger's and Autism
Autism affects how people perceive and interact with the world, influencing communication, social interactions, and behaviour. Historically, terms like “Asperger’s Syndrome” were used to describe people on the autism spectrum who experienced average or above-average intelligence and did not have significant delays in language development. However, diagnostic criteria have evolved over time.
Autism is characterised by difficulties in social communication and interaction and restricted and repetitive behaviors, interests, or activities. Its spectrum nature means that people can experience various abilities and challenges. Some may require substantial support in daily life. In contrast, others, previously identified under terms like Asperger’s Syndrome, may lead independent lives but still face challenges in social interactions and sensory sensitivities.
Changes in Terminology
In the early 1990s, Asperger’s Syndrome gained recognition as a distinct medical condition, differentiating people with specific autistic traits but without language or cognitive delays. However, in 2013, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) subsumed Asperger’s Syndrome under the broader category of the autism spectrum. This change aimed to provide a more inclusive understanding of autism, acknowledging the wide range of presentations within the spectrum.
The International Classification of Diseases, Eleventh Revision (ICD-11), adopted a similar approach, no longer recognising Asperger’s Syndrome as a separate diagnosis and instead including it within the autism spectrum. This shift reflects a move towards a more comprehensive understanding of autism, emphasising the diversity of experiences and challenges faced by people on the spectrum.
Misconception and Stigma
The prevailing perception of autism, previously called Asperger’s syndrome, is clouded by misconception and stigma. Society commonly expects people with autism to have above-average intelligence. Autistic people’s intelligence levels and abilities can vary from the rest of the population.
Due to the effects of autism on social and communication skills, the average autistic person can be perceived as rude, complex, or lacking in empathy – which is not the case. People with this difference communicate their social or emotional experiences in unconventional ways. Those who live with autism spectrum and Asperger Syndrome usually experience anxiety or repetitive behaviors, which makes people on the spectrum struggle with social interaction. Autism and Asperger’s identification doesn’t mean the person’s behaviour needs to be “fixed”. It is a spectrum of brain differences.
While the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual focuses on clinical terms that often cause misconceptions around autism, such as regularly using “autism diagnosis“,” mental disorders“, and “autism spectrum disorder (ASD)” as a way of everyday communication, we are moving toward inclusivity and terms such as “autism identification“,” neurological difference” and “autism spectrum,” which are preferred by the autistic community, to support people’s different brain development.
⇒ Therefore, read more about the rich world of neurodivergent people and their strengths.
Autism and Asperger's Syndrome: Similarities
While several characteristics distinguish Asperger’s syndrome from other forms of autism, the two share the same key indications. Asperger’s syndrome is considered to be under the umbrella of the autism spectrum, alongside other conditions such as Pervasive Developmental Disorder and Childhood Disintegrate Disorder.
People with Asperger’s syndrome may have difficulty interpreting social cues in verbal or nonverbal communication (e.g., facial expressions, eye contact, etc.). They also tend to focus obsessively on their topics of interest during conversations. These traits make it hard for children and adults on the spectrum to maintain relationships.
People living with Autism and Asperger’s syndrome often tend to stick to restricted routines and engage in repetitive patterns of behaviour. They have the desire to follow fixed schedules and usually feel distressed in cases of change. Autistic stemming is another common trait associated with children with Autism and Asperger’s syndrome.
In addition to that, people with both Autism and Asperger’s syndrome have unique sensory experiences that make them stand out from neurotypicals. They can be hypersensitive to bright lights, loud sounds, or particular textures. Due to difficulty understanding and the challenges they face in social interactions, people with these differences can develop mental health challenges such as anxiety and depression.
Autism and Asperger's Syndrome: Differences
The main difference between autism and what used to be defined as Asperger Syndrome is that the former is linked to more severe symptoms. Another difference between autism and Asperger’s diagnosis is cognitive functioning. A person with Asperger’s cannot have a significant cognitive delay, as is usually seen among autistic children. Children on the lower end of the spectrum (what was once identified as Asperger’s) have average to above-average intelligence. In contrast, other children on the spectrum usually have significant cognitive delays. While, Asperger’s is associated with less severe characteristics and good language and cognitive skills. This distinction in cognitive functioning is a key factor in differentiating between autism and Asperger’s.
Unlike Autism, Asperger’s usually doesn’t cause developmental delays or severe impairment of the person’s language development. Due to the severity of its signs, autism is more likely to be identified in the early childhood years, and the need of an early intervention is necessary.
Differences in Social Communication and Interaction
A vital difference between Autism and Asperger’s is that autistic children are more prone to experiencing language delays, while Asperger’s syndrome usually doesn’t disrupt language learning. Therefore, people with Asperger’s and autism are more likely to have good language skills and grasp verbal communication from an early school age.
Children and young autistic people often resort to social withdrawal, whereas the ones with Asperger’s may try to interact with their peers. However, they welcome social interactions; people with Asperger’s still struggle to interpret nonverbal communication and jokes.
⇒ Read more about Speech and Language Support for Autistic People.
Differences in Autistic Stimming and Interests
The repetitive behaviours and interests in people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome differ in intensity. Children, young people, and adults with both differences engage in various repetitive movements and brain activity, such as:
- Self-stimulatory finger movements
- Rotational self-stimulatory movements
- Repetitive walking or movement
- Back-and-forth self-stimulatory movements
According to our speech and language therapist, Jodee Simpson, stemming is a typical behaviour among people on the autism spectrum. It involves repetitive sounds or movements that people use to help manage sensory input, regulate emotions, or cope with stress. Jodee explains that one aspect of her approach is normalising stimming, which is crucial in aiding neurodivergent people with self-regulation and emotional processing:
“In the medical model of autism, they discuss stereotypical behaviours such as hand flapping, rocking, and similar actions. These are the stereotyped ideas about what stimming is, and many people believe that when autistic people are doing these actions, like rocking, it’s a sign of anxiety. But actually, everybody stims. For example, you might fiddle with your hair, which is a form of stimming. You might tap your fingers, chew on things, or have a pen you’re always playing with—that’s all stimming. I need quite a lot of movement, so fidgets work well because I can just spin things. The frequency of the vibration feels very healing to me.”
Jodee Simpson
To read more from Jodee’s expertise in understanding autistic communication differences, please join our ‘In the Heart of Care‘ blog series, where our therapy team shares their proactive support, real-life experiences and personalised tools that encourage people’s journeys forward.
Cognitive Development
Cognitive development in autistic people varies greatly. Historically, the term Asperger’s Syndrome was used to describe people with average or above-average intellectual abilities who did not have significant learning disabilities. They often experience challenges in social communication and interaction. Autism, on the other side, is a broad spectrum that encompasses a wide range of cognitive abilities. Some autistic people may experience a learning disability that impacts cognitive development, while others may have average or above-average intellectual abilities. The spectrum nature of autism means that each person’s mental development and intellectual strengths are unique.
It’s important to remember that cognitive development is just one aspect of autism. Regardless of their cognitive abilities, autistic people may also experience differences in sensory processing, emotional regulation, and executive functioning. Therefore, support and interventions should be individualised, focusing on the person’s strengths and needs.
Sensory Differences and Sensitivities
Similarly, both autism and Asperger’s syndrome cause sensitivity to sensory input, including:
- Bright lights
- Loud sounds
- Intense tastes
- Intense smells
- Certain fabrics
However, people with Asperger’s syndrome may have milder reactions to sensory overload, whereas those with other forms of autism need immediate intervention. Occupational therapy (OT) plays a vital role in supporting autistic people by helping them navigate the challenges of daily life. Occupational therapists focus on enhancing, sustaining, and addressing people’s needs to promote their overall well-being and improve their day-to-day experiences.
Asperger's Syndrome vs High-Functioning Autism
Asperger’s syndrome and autism without a learning disability, also known as high-functioning autism (HFA), were once considered distinct neurological differences. Still, they are now both encompassed under the umbrella term of autism.
Autism without a learning disability typically refers to people with significant language or intellectual skills. It was often used to describe those who did not have delays in communication and language, a key distinction from traditional autism. One of the major differences between Asperger’s syndrome and autism was the absence of speech delay in Asperger’s, as people with this condition typically had average or higher-than-average language and intelligence skills.
Autistic people without a learning disability and those with Asperger’s experience better visual perception. Instead of thinking verbally, they create mental pictures when recalling a particular event or idea.
Challenges and Strengths Associated with Neurodevelopmental Differences
Autism and Asperger’s syndrome impact people in many aspects of life, especially regarding the person’s social integration. People on the spectrum often experience challenges, including:
Communication Difficulties: People may struggle with verbal and non-verbal communication, making it hard to express thoughts and understand social cues.
Social Interaction Differences: Challenges interpreting social behaviours can lead to difficulty in forming and maintaining relationships.
Sensory Sensitivities: Heightened or diminished sensitivity to sensory inputs like sounds, sights, and textures can cause discomfort or distress.
Mental Health Concerns: There are high levels of unmet mental health needs among autistic people, with many unable to access appropriate community mental health support.
However, their families must know that these differences bring many unique strengths, especially when an early intervention is done. Autistic children, young people, and adults experience:
Attention to Detail: Many autistic people excel at noticing fine details that others might overlook.
Deep Focus: The ability to concentrate intensely on subjects of interest can lead to exceptional expertise.
Honesty and Integrity: A tendency towards straightforward and honest communication is often noted.
Creativity: Distinctive imaginative abilities and unique expressions of ideas shared.
⇒ Read more about our Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) in crisis situations and the strategies we take towards positive outcomes for the people we support.
Are people with Asperger's considered Neurodivergent?
People with Asperger’s Syndrome are considered neurodivergent since Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of autism, falling under the umbrella of neurodiversity. This perspective emphasises the unique strengths and challenges associated with neurodivergent differences and advocates for a society that is inclusive and supportive of these differences.
Although the specific diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome is no longer used and has been integrated into the broader category of autism, those previously diagnosed with Asperger’s are still recognised as part of the neurodivergent community.
The Future of Autism Spectrum
The perception of Autism Spectrum Disorder and Asperger’s syndrome and the expert approach to their treatment is constantly evolving. The future of autism in the UK is shaped by evolving government strategies, ongoing research, and the challenges faced in identifying and support services.
The UK government has outlined a comprehensive plan through “The National Strategy for Autistic Children, Young People and Adults: 2021 to 2026.” This strategy aims to enhance the lives of autistic people by focusing on:
Reducing Health Inequalities: To promptly identify and address health issues, NHS England and Improvement (NHSE/I) are implementing annual health checks tailored for autistic adults. The checks, developed by a research consortium led by Newcastle University and funded by Autistica, are being trialled in the North East.
Improving Diagnostic Services: Investing £10.5 million to reduce diagnosis waiting times for children and young people and £2.5 million to enhance adult diagnostic and post-diagnostic pathways. This includes expanding early identification programs in schools.
Mandatory Training: Continuing the development of the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on learning disability and autism for all health and adult social care staff.
Despite these initiatives, significant challenges persist:
Extended Waiting Times: Adults seeking autism assessments in Oxfordshire face waiting lists extending up to 18 years, with over 2,000 people awaiting assessment. This backlog is attributed to increased referrals and insufficient funding.
Delays for Children: Reports indicate that children can wait over four years for a diagnosis, missing critical developmental support during this period. Such delays can lead to crises, affecting education and well-being.
Change is in the air. The reform agenda, which includes plans for a National Care Service centred on a ‘home first’ approach, aims to empower people by giving them greater control over their well-being. This vision has ignited hope for a brighter, more effective care sector. But hope alone is not enough—we must turn words into action.
As health and social care providers, we are uniquely positioned to alleviate pressure on NHS waiting lists. By delivering timely, tailored care, we help ensure people receive the support they need when they need it, reducing delays and preventing unnecessary hospital admissions.
⇒ In our latest blog, discover more about how we can support commissioners in reducing NHS waiting lists.
Autism Support with Leaf Complex Care
At Leaf Complex Care, we strive to help autistic children and adults channel their unique strengths into a productive framework and maximise their independence, self-esteem, and social integration.
Ashanti’s Care Journey
Sixteen-year-old Ashanti, who lives with her mother, Liz, and her older brother, Prince, experiences autism, a learning disability, and a global developmental delay. With her lively personality, Ashanti loves attending school and being surrounded by her peers. To enhance her well-being and behaviours of concern, we provide person-centred support to meet her aspirations and needs.
Please watch our mini-documented care journey of Ashanti. In it, you can witness the cohesiveness, consistent teamwork, and person–centred approach that support her in making the life choices she wants and deeply wishes.
Contact us, and we will create tailored care that meets your personal needs and preferences. We deliver care and support across the UK, with offices in Bristol, South East, Birmingham, and Somerset.
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