Asperger's syndrome

noun

As·​per·​ger's syndrome ˈä-ˌspər-gərz-  ˈa- 

-jərz-

variants or Asperger syndrome or Asperger's or less commonly Asperger's disorder

: a form of autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction, repetitive patterns of behavior, and restricted interests and by the absence of significant language or cognitive impairments

As with all autism spectrum disorders, people with Asperger's have difficulties in social situations. For example, they may not make eye contact, understand a joke, or recognize how to continue a conversation. People with Asperger's may struggle to understand nonverbal signals or decipher body language.

—Psychology Today

Note: In 2013, the American Psychological Association removed the diagnoses of Asperger's syndrome and related conditions and replaced them with the single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Some people who were previously diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome may still identify with the term and prefer to continue to use it to describe their diagnosis.

Word History

Etymology

Hans Asperger †1980 Austrian pediatrician

First Known Use

1971, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

Asperger's syndrome

noun

As·​per·​ger's syndrome ˈäs-ˌpər-gərz- 

variants or Asperger syndrome

-gər

or Asperger's also Asperger's disorder

: a form of autism spectrum disorder that is characterized by impaired social interaction, repetitive patterns of behavior, and restricted interests and by the absence of significant language or cognitive impairments

Note: In 2013, the American Psychological Association removed the diagnoses of Asperger's syndrome and related conditions and replaced them with the single diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Some people who were previously diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome may still identify with the term and prefer to continue to use it to describe their diagnosis.

Participant Twelve was conflicted regarding the DSM-5 changes. He believes autism attracts more stigma than Asperger's …; the changes mean that the intricacy of the Asperger's diagnosis and identity are lost. Conversely, he acknowledged that … the DSM-5 changes may in fact reduce stigma and increase solidarity among those on the autism spectrum.

—Olivia Smith and Sandra C. Jones, Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

Since 2013, Asperger's syndrome is replaced by the broader diagnosis of ASD [=autism spectrum disorder]. … Asperger's syndrome, as defined before 2013, was different than other ASDs because people with Asperger's have average or higher-than-average language and intelligence levels.

—Cleveland Clinic