Several years ago, “Asperger’s syndrome” was adopted as part of an umbrella term that’s now used to refer to all cases of autism, autism spectrum disorder or ASD. Up until 2013, Asperger’s syndrome was generally used to refer to people who had a high functioning type of autism.
Because people are no longer diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in many instances, some find themselves wondering, “Is Asperger’s a type of autism after all?” The answer to that question is a resounding yes.
Autism vs Asperger’s: How Are They Different from One Another?
While individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s or another type of autism on the spectrum still have autism, they may show different characteristics. Symptoms may also appear at various life stages.
Age of Diagnosis
Because children with autism typically face language challenges early on, they are often diagnosed at a young age, sometimes as toddlers. Autism diagnoses usually occur before school age, whereas those with Asperger’s may not be diagnosed until well into elementary school or even later. In some cases, individuals with Asperger’s may not receive a diagnosis until adulthood.
Similarities between Asperger’s and Autism
While there are distinctions between Asperger’s and other forms of autism, they also share similarities. Individuals with both conditions may encounter hypersensitivities to stimuli such as bright lights, sounds, taste, and touch.
They may also have challenges in social settings, especially new ones. Anxiety, depression, clumsiness, and trouble understanding nonverbal cues can be tough for individuals with Asperger’s or another form of autism.
Judson Center: We Help Individuals and Their Families
No matter a child’s diagnosis, we understand that receiving the news of an ASD diagnosis can be difficult. That’s why we are devoted to caring for all family members touched by an autism diagnosis, including the individual children, their siblings, and their parents. While we provide special programs and counseling for family members, we deliver ABA treatment for patients both at our center and in-home.
Contact Judson Center Autism Connections now to discover more about the treatment and support available for children with autism and their families!