The differences between Asperger syndrome and autism

Autism is a highly known disorder today, with the majority of the population knowing roughly some of its main characteristics. The same goes for Asperger syndrome. Both disorders are today part of the so-called autism spectrum disorder or ASD, having been integrated into a single disorder in DSM 5 due to the presence of a very similar.

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

• Related article: "Autism Spectrum Disorders: 10 symptoms and diagnosis"

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, being able to see in general before three years of age some of the main symptoms.

In this sense, the presence of communication deficits stands out, such as the absence or difficulty when using or understand non-verbal language, difficulties in relating to each other or even in some cases an apparent lack of interest in it. They find it difficult to understand that others have a mind independent of theirs, and sometimes they can 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 locked inside, with little exploratory behaviors with the environment.

It is frequent that it is accompanied by a certain degree of intellectual disability, as well as a delay in the acquisition and development of language (and in some cases may not acquire it completely). They have great difficulty with the social and pragmatic use of language, and in some cases they can 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 have great fixation. They tend to be rigid, finding it difficult to adapt to novelties and requiring routines to feel safe. Finally, may be hypo or hyper sensitive to stimulation (frequently to noises and lights) and it is common for them to present stereotyped movements that serve as self-stimulation.

• You may be interested in: "4 TV series that have characters with Autism Spectrum Disorders"

Asperger's syndrome

When it comes to Asperger syndrome, It is also a neurodevelopmental disorder, but it usually takes much longer to be observed, generally when the level of social demand begins to increase and closer ties are established. Shares with autism the existence of interpersonal and communication difficulties, as well as the existence of interests restricted and repetitive behavior patterns (also requiring routines and presenting difficulties to get used to changes).

They also have difficulties in language, although there is no delay and the problem is limited to the pragmatic use of it and the understanding of figurative language. They tend to be very literal. It is difficult for them to capture information regarding the emotions of others, and it is often difficult for them to express their own, both verbally and non-verbally. Most have normative cognitive ability and are generally not intellectually disabled.

Despite this, there is usually some motor delay. Typical behavior is generally adaptive and they tend to be curious and interested in the outside environment.

• Related article: "Asperger syndrome: 10 signs to identify this disorder"

Main differences

Having seen the generic descriptions of both disorders, we can see that although they share a large number of characteristics, present traits that have led until a few years ago to be considered disorders different. The main differences are the following.

1. Intellectual capacity

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

• Related article: "Types of intellectual disability (and characteristics)"

2. Adaptive behavior and autonomy

Although there are elements that pose difficulties for both, as a general rule the Asperger is usually able to act autonomously without major problems (beyond possible social problems). In the case of typical autism, these difficulties are much greater and those who suffer from it may require continued support.

3. differences in language

Despite the fact that in both cases some type of language difficulty is manifested, there are great differences with regard to this capacity.

In the case of Asperger syndrome, who suffers from it tends to present problems with figurative language, the pragmatic use of it or the understanding of aspects related to emotions (both oral and gestural). However, in general, they usually have a rich vocabulary and speech appropriate to their level of maturity, even on occasions excessively cultured, and they are usually able to express themselves correctly.

The person with autism, however, usually presents a delayed language with respect to its maturational level, having severe difficulties in expressing their thoughts.

4. contact with others

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

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 occur, something that does not occur in asperger. However, in the latter case there is usually some delay in motor development, which is not usually described in typical autism.

6. Interests

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

7. Age of detection and diagnosis

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

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

Bibliographic references:

• American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Fifth edition. DSM-V. Massón, Barcelona.
• American Psychiatric Association (2002). DSM-IV-TR. Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Spanish edition. Barcelona: Masson. (Original in English from 2000).
• thief, a. (2012). Clinical child psychology. CEDE PIR Preparation Manual, 03. CEDE: Madrid.