Differences between Asperger’s syndrome and autism

Within the Autism Spectrum Disorders there are cases with diverse and characteristic symptoms.

Autism is a very well known disorder nowadays, and most of the population is familiar with some of its main characteristics. The same happens with Asperger syndrome. Both disorders are today part of the so-called autism spectrum disorder or ASD, having been integrated into a single disorder in the DSM 5 due to the presence of very similar symptomatology.

However, if this had not occurred until now, it is because although they are similar and closely related, there are elements that distinguish them. It is about these characteristics that we are going to talk in this article: the main differences between Asperger syndrome and Asperger syndrome. differences between Asperger's syndrome and Autism.

Conceptualizing autism

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of social, language and behavioral disturbances. It is a problem that is usually detected in very early stages of development, some of the main symptoms can usually be seen before the age of three years..

In this sense, it highlights the presence of communication deficits such as the absence or difficulty in using or understanding nonverbal language, difficulties in relating or even in some cases apparent lack of interest in it. They find it difficult to understand that others have a mind independent of their own, and sometimes they may have instrumental attitudes. They tend to reject physical contact (although in some cases they do accept or seek that of significant others). They often give the impression of being closed in, with little exploratory behavior with the environment.with little exploratory behaviors with the environment.

It is frequent that this occurs together with a certain degree of intellectual disability, as well as a delay in the acquisition and development of language (in some cases they may not acquire it completely). They have great difficulty with the social and pragmatic use of language, and in some cases may even reach total mutism, or the emission of few sounds.

At the behavioral level, the presence of repetitive and routine interests and activities stands out, with which they tend to be very fixated. They tend to be rigid, finding it difficult to adapt to novelties and needing routines to feel secure. Finally, they may have hiccups or hypersensitivity to stimulation (often to noises and lights). (frequently to noises and lights) and it is common for them to present stereotyped movements that serve as self-stimulation.

Asperger's syndrome

As far as Asperger's syndrome is concerned, is also a neurodevelopmental disorderAsperger's syndrome is also a neurodevelopmental disorder, but it usually takes much longer to be observed, usually when social demands begin to increase and closer bonds are established. It shares with autism the existence of interpersonal and communicative difficulties, as well as the existence of restricted interests and repetitive behavior patterns (also requiring routines and presenting difficulties to get used to changes).

They also have language difficulties, although there is no delay and the problem is limited to the pragmatic use of language and the comprehension of figurative language. They tend to be very literal. It is difficult for them to grasp information regarding the emotions of others, and it is often difficult for them to express their own emotions, both verbally and nonverbally. Most of them have a normative cognitive capacity and generally do not suffer from intellectual disability.

However, there is usually some motor retardation. The typical behavior is generally adaptive and they usually have curiosity and interest in the external environment.

Main differences

Having seen the generic descriptions of both disorders, we can observe that although they share a great number of characteristics, they present features that have caused that until a few years ago they were considered different disorders. The main differences are the following.

Intellectual capacity

Perhaps one of the most striking differences between Asperger's and autism is the tendency to have certain levels of intellectual ability. the tendency to have certain levels of intellectual ability. While in Asperger's an intellectual capacity in the population average is usually found, autism usually presents with some degree of intellectual disability (although in some cases they have a cognitive capacity located in the population average).

2. Adaptive behavior and autonomy

Although there are elements that pose difficulties for both, as a general rule the asperger usually can act autonomously without major problems (beyond possible social problems). In the case of typical autism, these difficulties are much greater and sufferers may require ongoing support.

3. Differences in language

Although both cases manifest some type of language difficulty, there are major differences in language ability.

In the case of Asperger's syndrome, the sufferer tends to have problems with figurative language, pragmatic use of language tends to have problems with figurative language, the pragmatic use of language, or the or the understanding of aspects related to emotions (both orally and gesturally). However, they usually have a rich vocabulary and a speech appropriate to their maturity level, sometimes even excessively cultured, and are usually able to express themselves correctly.

The person with autism, however, usually present a language delayed with respect to their maturational levelhaving severe difficulties in the expression of their thoughts.

4. Contact with others

Both subjects with autism and subjects with Asperger's are characterized by social difficulties. However, in the case of Asperger's they tend to be interested in establishing social bonds, while subjects with autism tend to seek isolation and avoid contact more.

5. Movements

Another aspect that usually differentiates both disorders is the presence of movement disorders. In autism, for example, it is common for stereotyped movements to be present, which is not the case in autism.which does not occur in aspergers. However, in the latter case there is usually a certain delay in motor development, which is not usually described in typical autism.

6. Interests

Although in both cases there are restricted and repetitive, even obsessive, interests, in autism they are usually based on a specific stimulus, while in aspergers they are usually based on a specific stimulus. whereas in Asperger's they tend to be broader or more elaborate topics.

7. Age of detection and diagnosis

Although this aspect may not seem to be specific to the disorder, it does give an idea that the symptomatology is more or less marked and evident in one case or another.

Typical autism or Kanner-type autism is generally diagnosed before the third year of life, while Asperger syndrome is diagnosed before the third year of life. of life of the subject while Asperger syndrome is usually diagnosed much later, usually around the age of seven or even in adolescence.

Bibliographical references:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders. Fifth edition. DSM-V. Masson, Barcelona.
• American Psychiatric Association (2002). DSM-IV-TR. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Spanish edition. Barcelona: Masson. (Original in English 2000).
• Ladrón, A. (2012). Clinical child psychology. Manual CEDE de Preparación PIR, 03. CEDE: Madrid.