Asperger’s Syndrome

Written by Rachel Reiff Ellis
Medically Reviewed by Jabeen Begum, MD on August 05, 2025
7 min read

Asperger syndrome or Asperger’s is a term sometimes used to describe a developmental disorder that’s part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). But it’s a controversial term that no longer exists as a medical diagnosis, so not as many people use this term to describe their condition.

People who have this type of ASD tend to have a hard time relating to others socially. They may stick to a very specific routine and have a narrow set of interests.

Doctors sometimes call Asperger’s a “high-functioning” type of ASD, which means its symptoms tend not to be as severe as other kinds of autism spectrum disorder. But the label “high-functioning” is also controversial. Many autistic people use terms such as “low support needs” and “high support needs” to describe where they fall on the spectrum. 

There are three levels of autism:

  • Level 1: You may need some support.
  • Level 2: You may need more substantial support.
  • Level 3: You need lots of support.

People who might have been diagnosed with Asperger’s in the past and have low support needs may fall into the first level.

Doctors used to consider Asperger’s and autism as separate conditions. But the 2013 edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the standard book that mental health experts use, changed how the condition is classified.

Today, Asperger’s syndrome is technically no longer a diagnosis. It’s part of the broader category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This group of related disorders shares some symptoms.

The DSM-5 also includes another diagnosis, called social pragmatic communication disorder, which has some symptoms that overlap with what used to be called Asperger’s. Doctors use it to describe people who struggle with social, academic, and workplace communication, but who otherwise are neurotypical.

Asperger’s syndrome was named for Hans Asperger, a doctor in Vienna during the reign of the Nazi party. In the 1940s, Asperger was the first to take note of the pattern of social symptoms in some children under his care that now defines the disorder. Much of the information experts know about this autism spectrum disorder today comes from Hans Asperger’s work.

Why is the term Asperger’s controversial?

Although he was considered a pioneer in this research, the use of his name for this disorder is controversial. Ongoing debates say his research promoted forced “race hygiene,” which included Nazi policies that people with certain disabilities should be killed and parents of these children should be sterilized, so they couldn’t have children. 

Some argued that Asperger created language to describe children on the “higher-functioning” end of the autism spectrum as a way to save them from these Nazi policies. But new research shows a much more complicated picture of how this label harmed people and even led to some children’s deaths.

Asperger’s symptoms start early in life. Most diagnoses happen between ages 5 and 9, but some people are adults before they get diagnosed with autism. No two people have the same symptoms. But they’re usually related to emotional, communication, and behavioral skills.

People with the disorder may: 

  • Have trouble making eye contact
  • Feel and act awkward in social settings
  • Have trouble responding to people in conversation
  • Miss social cues that other people find obvious
  • Struggle to read body language
  • Not understand what facial expressions mean
  • Show few emotions
  • Speak in a flat tone
  • Talk a lot about one topic
  • Repeat words, phrases, or movements
  • Dislike change
  • Keep the same schedule and habits, such as eating the same meals

Symptoms of Asperger’s in adults

No symptoms are specific to adults, though some are more common, including: 

  • Clumsiness
  • Strong verbal skills
  • Obsession with a topic
  • Social difficulties
  • Hypersensitivity

The diagnosis of Asperger’s no longer exists. Instead, people who might’ve been diagnosed with Asperger’s in the past would be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

At what age can you diagnose Asperger’s?

Doctors can spot traits of autism in children 18 months or younger. Some kids may get an official diagnosis by the time they’re 2 years old. But many times, people get an autism diagnosis later in life, as a teenager or adult.

Diagnosis in children

If you notice signs of Asperger’s in your child, see their pediatrician. They can refer you to a mental health expert who specializes in ASD.

The doctor will likely ask questions about your child’s behavior, including:

  • What symptoms do they have, and when did you first notice them?
  • When did your child first learn to speak, and how do they communicate?
  • Are they focused on any subjects or activities?
  • Do they have friends, and how do they interact with others?

Then, they’ll watch your child in different situations to see how they communicate and behave.

Asperger’s diagnosis in adults

There is no single test or specific diagnostic criteria to diagnose Asperger’s syndrome in adults. That’s partly because autism is usually found at an early age. But if you think you might have autism, talk to your doctor. They can also refer you to the righ specialists.

Doctors who diagnose autism include:

  • Psychologists, who diagnose and treat problems with emotions and behavior
  • Neurologists, who treat brain conditions
  • Psychiatrists, who have expertise in mental health conditions and can prescribe medicine to treat them

The condition is often treated with a team approach. That means you or your child might see more than one doctor for your ASD care.

Everyone is different, so there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach. Your doctor might need to try a few therapies to find one that supports you or your child best. The earlier you start supporting your child, the better the outcome.

When exploring therapies or new treatments, be on the lookout for red flags such as:

  • The treatment or therapy claims to replace evidence-based options, such as speech therapy.
  • It claims to “cure” autism or is based on a conspiracy theory.
  • It claims to work for everyone with autism.

These can be signs that the therapy or treatment isn’t safe or recommended for autistic people.

Treatments can include things like speech therapy and parent education. Always ask your doctor before starting any treatment.

Speech therapy

Speech therapy can help improve your communication skills and express yourself. It can also help you learn to keep up a two-way conversation and understand social cues, such as hand gestures and eye contact. For autistic people who are nonverbal, options like sign language and picture communication programs can make communication easier.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

CBT helps change thinking patterns, helping you or your child to better understand emotions and behaviors. You’ll work together with a therapist to create goals that make sense for you.

Applied behavior analysis (ABA)

This technique encourages positive social and communication skills and discourages behavior that isn’t working. The therapist will use praise or other “positive reinforcement” to encourage results. But ABA is controversial in the autistic community. Some autistic people say ABA is too centered around getting rid of certain behaviors instead of teaching kids skills they can use. Others say ABA forces autistic kids to change themselves to meet neurotypical standards. Talk to your child’s doctor to go over any concerns you may have. This can help you find the best therapies and interventions for you and your child.

Medication

There aren’t any drugs approved by the FDA to specifically treat Asperger’s or autism spectrum disorder. But some medications can help with related symptoms such as depression and anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe some of these:

  • Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
  • Antipsychotic drugs
  • Stimulant medicines

Parent education

If you’re supporting a child with autism, you’ll learn many of the same techniques your child is taught so you can work on skills at home. Some families also see a counselor to help them best support their child and tackle challenges as they come up.

Asperger’s syndrome is a term sometimes used to describe a developmental disorder that’s part of the autism spectrum disorder. It can affect emotional, communication, and behavioral skills . Symptoms are usually caught early in life, though some adults get diagnosed later in life. There are treatment options, such as speech therapy, that can help kids communicate more easily. You can work with your child’s doctor to make a plan that makes sense for your child.

Here are some commonly asked questions about Asperger’s.

What are the biggest signs of Asperger’s?

People with what was known as Asperger’s may have trouble with social interaction, such as fitting in with peers or holding a conversation. But other symptoms may point to autism, such as:

  • Having trouble making direct eye contact
  • Difficulty understanding someone else’s emotions, perspectives, or actions
  • Having a specific special interest
  • Repeating the same words or phrases
  • Having sensory differences, like being more or less sensitive to things such as textures, light, or sound

How does Asperger’s affect day-to-day life?

How being on the autism spectrum affects someone’s day-to-day life depends on their needs and level of support. Autistic people — no matter where they are on the spectrum — can have a happy, healthy life. For autistic kids, starting support early can make things like communication easier.

What can trigger Asperger’s?

Researchers don’t know what exactly causes Asperger’s, but they think it may involve genetics and brain abnormalities. Autism isn’t the result of parenting methods or upbringing.