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Comparing Autism and
Asperger Syndrome
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Autism and Asperger Syndrome: Asperger Syndrome is characterized by the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) as a child with behavior and social skills development problems. AACAP compares autism and Asperger Syndrome as:
- A child with Asperger Syndrome typically functions at a higher level than a child with autism.
- It is common for a child with Asperger Syndrome to have normal to above normal intelligence.
- Although children with Asperger Syndrome may have unusual speech patterns, there is usually no delay in language development.
- Children with Asperger Syndrome may have trouble interacting with children their age. They are often loners and may show behavior that some people may consider eccentric.
- Many children with Asperger Syndrome have problems with coordination.
According to AACAP (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry) there may be a tendency for Asperger Syndrome to run in families, suggesting a genetic link. However, there is no known cause for Asperger Syndrome. AACAP states children with the disorder are at risk for psychiatric problems such as depression, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, schizophrenia and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Treatment for Asperger Syndrome consists of psychotherapy, special education, behavior therapy and family support. Many children with this disorder go on to finish high school, attend college, and can develop meaningful relationships with family and friends.
The following list addresses the ways in which some of the basic symptomatology common to autism and Asperger Syndrome manifests itself differently in each of the disorders.
It is based upon the writer's extensive clincial experience, and is neither intended to serve as an exhaustive list of all of the possible symptoms, nor as the final word on the subject!
A Comparison of Autism and Asperger Syndrome Symptomatology
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Preference for sameness / perseveration |
Tendency toward obsessive-compulsive interests / behavior |
Problems in rapidly & flexibly shifting attention; overfocusing / stimulus overselectivity |
ADD – like deficits in atentional deployment |
High stimulation often causes hyperarousal |
There semms to be a need for high stimulation |
Stimulant medication often worsens symptoms |
Stimulant medication often improves symptoms |
Absence of, or less well-developed imagination |
Overly-developed, sometimes aberrant use of imagination |
Seeming lack of preference for, or interest in, social situations |
May be quite social (though atypically so) re: items / subjects of interests |
Preference for concrete objects |
Preference for factual information |
More pronounced deficits in language |
Superficially “normal” language |
Deficits in both lower- and higher-level pragmatics |
Deficits in higher- level pragmatics |
Lack of facility with language and communication may mask other deficits |
Greater facility with lnaguage and communication may reveal other deficits |
More obvious sensory impairment |
More subtle sensory impairment |
Diagnosis more straight-forward / earlier |
Diagnosis – confusing / later |
Can appear will-less (at mercy of autistic symptomatology) |
Can appear willful / volitional re: behavior |
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Deficits less obvious – blinded by their strengths! |
Source: Diane Twachtman-Cullen, Ph.D., CCC/SLP, Executive Director
Autism & Developmental Disabilties Consultation Center
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