Asperger syndrome

Synonyms: Asperger’s autism, high-functioning autism

The behavior of people with Asperger syndrome is characterized by:

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  Rigid, obsessive-pedantic, and stereotypical patterns of action in combination with a lack of empathy.

  
  
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  The intelligence quotient of patients with Asperger’s is average to above average, often with special interests (insular talent) or skills.

  
  
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  Boys are more frequently affected than girls on the basis of the patient’s own and others’ medical history. Early childhood development and psychopathological findings, including behavioral patterns, are taken into account.

The treatment of Asperger syndrome is complex and usually multi-professional, with the aim of promoting the social skills of those affected.

In the ICD-10, Asperger syndrome and early childhood autism are classified as profound developmental disorders.

In the ICD-11, Asperger syndrome is no longer listed as a separate entity and is instead assigned to the new diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders.

Asperger syndrome

In the ICD-10, Asperger’s syndrome is classified as a profound developmental disorder with onset in childhood, characterized by:

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  Impaired social interaction and communication patterns 

  
  
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  A restricted and stereotyped repertoire of interests and activities.

Note: There is no general developmental delay, and often a normal to above-average IQ.

In the ICD-11, Asperger syndrome is no longer listed as a separate entity and is under the umbrella of autism spectrum disorders.

Research findings over the last few decades have not confirmed the classification of early childhood autism and Asperger syndrome as two disease entities according to ICD-10. Instead, a continuum of symptoms with an overall heterogeneous etiology should be assumed.