Asperger’s Syndrome - What It Means Today

What Was Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome was first described by Austrian paediatrician Hans Asperger in the 1940s. It became an official diagnosis in the 1990s and was used to identify individuals who:

• Had average or high intelligence.

• Did not have significant delays in language development.

• Showed social and behavioural differences consistent with autism.

Common traits included difficulty interpreting social cues, strong special interests, need for routines, and sensory sensitivities.

Why Is Asperger’s No Longer a Diagnosis?

In 2013, the release of the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) merged Asperger’s syndrome into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Today, professionals no longer diagnose Asperger’s separately, but instead classify it under “level 1 autism” – autism without intellectual disability and with relatively fewer support needs compared to other forms of autism.

The change was made because research showed there was no clear boundary between Asperger’s and other types of autism. Instead, autism exists on a spectrum with a wide variety of presentations.

Why Do People Still Use the Term Asperger’s?

Although no longer a clinical diagnosis, the term is still common:

• Identity: Some people diagnosed before 2013 continue to identify as having Asperger’s.

• Cultural use: The term is widely known in books, media, and online communities.

• Search behaviour: Many people still search for information using “Asperger’s” rather than “autism spectrum disorder.”

Traits Associated With Asperger’s / Level 1 Autism

Individuals once described as having Asperger’s often share traits such as:

• Average or above-average IQ.

• Difficulty understanding social cues like body language, tone of voice, or unspoken rules.

• Strong and highly focused special interests.

• Sensory sensitivities (to sound, light, texture, or smell).

• Need for predictability and routines.

• Preference for direct, literal communication.

These traits can be strengths as well as challenges. Many people with Asperger’s excel in fields requiring focus, precision, and deep expertise.

Asperger’s in Daily Life

• Work and career

Strengths such as attention to detail, persistence, and reliability can be valuable in the workplace. Challenges may arise around teamwork, adapting to change, or interpreting workplace social dynamics.

• Relationships

Social interactions can be complex. Some people find it difficult to interpret subtle cues, while others value honesty and directness. With mutual understanding, relationships can be deep and meaningful.

• Education

Students may excel academically but struggle with group work or unstructured environments. Support from teachers and clear routines can make a big difference.

Support and Strategies

Although the diagnosis has changed, the need for support remains the same. Helpful strategies include:

• Clear communication: Avoiding ambiguity and being direct.

• Structured environments: Using routines, planners, or visual schedules.

• Sensory adaptations: Noise-cancelling headphones, quiet spaces, or controlled lighting.

• Therapy and coaching: CBT, occupational therapy, or social skills training.

• Focusing on strengths: Encouraging areas of interest and building self-esteem.

Summary

Asperger’s syndrome is no longer an official diagnosis, but it continues to be a familiar and meaningful term for many people. Today, it is included under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), specifically “level 1 autism.”

Whether referred to as Asperger’s or autism, the important thing is recognising both the strengths and challenges that come with it – and ensuring the right support is available at home, in education, and at work.