Autism vs Asperger's Syndrome
Asperger's syndrome stopped being a separate diagnosis in 2013, when the DSM-5 unified all autism subtypes under Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Understand what changed, what didn't, and what that means for people with an older diagnosis.
The change in one sentence
What used to be called Asperger's Syndrome is now classified as ASD level 1 without intellectual impairment and without language impairment. The diagnosis changed; the person did not.
Timeline
Hans Asperger describes children with social difficulties but preserved language
The DSM-IV adds Asperger's Syndrome as a diagnosis distinct from autism
The DSM-5 eliminates the Asperger's diagnosis and creates Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
The ICD-11 (WHO) also adopts the spectrum model — Asperger's becomes ASD level 1 with no intellectual or language impairment
Historical differences (pre-DSM-5)
In today's DSM-5, both are ASD — with specifiers for the level of support needed.
Frequently asked questions
If I have an Asperger's diagnosis, do I need to switch to ASD?
Legally and clinically, yes — the currently correct diagnosis is ASD (level 1 without intellectual/language impairment, in most former Asperger's cases). In practice, many clinicians still use the term Asperger's informally. For official documents and medical records, the current ICD code should be used.
Why do so many people prefer the term Asperger's?
Identity. Many people who grew up with an Asperger's diagnosis identify with the term and with the community that formed around it. The DSM-5's terminology change was controversial, and some autistic communities reject it. Personal identity doesn't have to follow the diagnostic manual.
Is Asperger's "mild autism"?
Not exactly. ASD level 1 (former Asperger's) comes with real challenges — anxiety, social difficulties, sensory processing, autistic burnout, employment difficulty. The term "mild" can minimize real suffering. The difference from ASD level 3 is mainly in the support needed for daily activities, not in the absence of difficulties.
Did Hans Asperger collaborate with the Nazis?
This is a serious historical question. Research published in 2018 brought evidence that Asperger collaborated with the Nazi regime, including referring children to the euthanasia program. This sparked debate over use of his name. But the diagnosis and the community that formed around the term exist independently of its namesake.
Can someone with Asperger's also have ADHD?
Yes — it is extremely common. An estimated 50-70% of people with ASD have co-occurring ADHD, and vice versa. Under the DSM-IV the diagnoses were mutually exclusive; since the DSM-5, they can be diagnosed together. The coexistence affects treatment and day-to-day management.
Tools for autistic people
Balanced Mind offers routines, emotional tracking and a supportive AI designed for neurodivergent people.