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Asperger’s syndrome is now considered part of the autism spectrum. Since DSM-5 in 2013 it is no longer a separate diagnosis in most frameworks. This guide explains the history of Asperger’s, how it relates to autism and what the change means for people with the diagnosis.
Asperger’s syndrome was a diagnostic category describing autistic people who did not have a significant language delay or intellectual disability. It was included as a separate diagnosis in DSM-IV, published in 1994. In 2013, DSM-5 removed Asperger’s syndrome as a separate category and incorporated it into the broader autism spectrum disorder diagnosis. The rationale was that the boundary between Asperger’s and other autism diagnoses was not clinically reliable or meaningful. The NHS now uses autism or autism spectrum disorder for all autistic people regardless of whether they previously met criteria for Asperger’s syndrome.
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Asperger’s syndrome was characterised by the same social communication and interaction differences and restricted and repetitive behaviours as other autism diagnoses, but without significant language delay or intellectual disability. People with Asperger’s syndrome were often identified later because their language development appeared typical, which could mask significant challenges in social understanding and sensory processing.
Research before DSM-5 found that the boundary between Asperger’s syndrome and other autism diagnoses was not consistently applied and that clinicians using the same criteria reached different conclusions about the same individual. The DSM-5 committee concluded that a single autism spectrum disorder category was more reliable and clinically meaningful than separate diagnostic categories.
Historical research published in 2018 suggested that Hans Asperger was complicit in the Nazi regime’s programme of killing disabled children. This has led many in the autism community to question the use of his name and has contributed to a broader move toward using the term autism rather than Asperger’s.
Many people who received an Asperger’s diagnosis before DSM-5 continue to identify with the term and find it meaningful. Their diagnosis is valid and they have no obligation to change the language they use. Some prefer the term because it helps explain their specific profile; others have moved to using autistic or autistic person. Both approaches are valid.
NHS diagnostic services no longer use Asperger’s syndrome as a separate category for new diagnoses. New diagnoses are given as autism spectrum disorder. People who received an Asperger’s diagnosis before DSM-5 retain their existing diagnosis, which is recognised by employers, local authorities and the benefits system.
The term high-functioning autism is sometimes used to describe autistic people without intellectual disability, overlapping significantly with those previously diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome. It is a descriptive term rather than a formal diagnostic category. Many autistic people object to it because it can minimise genuine support needs that may be significant but invisible.
For related information see our articles on Autism Explained and Autism Spectrum Levels.
Yes. Asperger’s syndrome is now considered part of the autism spectrum. Since DSM-5 in 2013 it is no longer a separate diagnostic category and people with this profile are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The core features of Asperger’s are part of the broader autism spectrum.
Yes. A diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome made before DSM-5 is still valid. You do not need to be rediagnosed. Your existing diagnosis is recognised by employers, schools, local authorities and the benefits system. You can continue to use Asperger’s terminology if that feels most accurate to your experience.
People with an Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis have access to the same range of support as those diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. This includes reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act, local authority support, Access to Work support and support from organisations including the National Autistic Society.
Visit our Understanding Autism hub for more guides on signs, diagnosis, causes, sensory needs, masking and co-occurring conditions.
The information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about autism or any neurodevelopmental condition, speak to a qualified healthcare professional. SENDhelp Education Limited accepts no responsibility or liability for any loss or damage arising from reliance on this content. Any links to third-party websites are provided for convenience only and do not constitute endorsement of their content.
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