Difference between Aspergers and Autism Spectrum Disorder

Post Reply New Topic

Hello. I have noticed that some people on here say they related better to the Aspergers criteria than to the autism spectrum disorder criteria. I am not critizing them at all (believe whatever you want to believe), but am wondering how can one relate more to the Aspergers criteria than the new, autism spectrum disorder criteria? I read the criteria for both and they are the same set of symptoms except sensory processing problems added, but with being a stricter criteria (at least two repetitive/restrictive behaviour and all of the social communication difficulties). Is it because people don't really display all the required symptoms in the new criteria to the same extent as the Aspergers criteria since it's a stricter criteria (ie have only one restrictive/repetitive interest or not all of the social communication difficulties)? Is it because of the internet having their own specific qualities of having Aspergers Syndrome? I am curious more than anything else. Any responses are much appreciated.

I consider Aspergers to be a part of the autism spectrum. That is, Asperger's syndrome is a milder form of full blown autism, but both are classified under the same diagnosis just at a different severity. That being said, it may be more specific to consider one's symptoms as being part of Asperger's syndrome, rather than just a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder, because the symptoms can vary a lot depending on where on the spectrum you land, and it may be easier to describe yourself in that way.

Asperger's was part of the "autistic spectrum" under DSM IV.

And is still a prominent part of the Spectrum under the ICD-10.

Under DSM-V, it's basically Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level One.

I'm guessing that's it's because you can no longer be called an Aspie if you have been diagnosed with ASD ( under the new criteria ). I get the distinct feeling feeling that some Aspies feel that they are at the top of the food chain of autism but under the new criteria they are just like everyone else so it's almost like losing identity and status.

It's funny.

I sometimes call myself an Aspie here---but I'm really not.

Because I had a severe speech delay.

Maybe due to the media I get the feeling there is less stigma attached to Aspergers than Autism ( e.g. Autism = Rainman , Aspergers = Bill Gates ( allegedly ) )

There's a certain stigma attached to Asperger's as well, unfortunately.

It is felt, stereotypically by a few, that Aspergians isolate themselves, go on the computer all day, and are so frustrated that they spend their time planning "revenge" on those who bully them.

I don't subscribe to that stereotype.

I honestly would like to know the difference between the two, myself. I've been told that not all people with aspergers are on the autism spectrum, and I've been told the opposite as well. I'm pretty confused. I'm also not entirely up to date, and almost every mental health professional I've seen has conflicting information about both ASD and Aspergers. Blah.

As long as you don't harm anybody, I don't see anything wrong with doing what you're doing.

I also spend days (like yesterday) watching YouTube videos.

As long as you're not upset by it, and don't want a change.

Under the DSM-IV, Asperger's was a form of autism. It still is a form of autism under the ICD-10. There is no "difference," per se.

It is theorized:

That Aspergians are relatively strong in the verbal realm, but relative weak in the visual-spatial realm; whereas people with "High-Functioning Autism" (HFA) are relatively strong in the visual-spatial realm, and relatively weak in the verbal realm.

I've read that there is a strong correlation between Asperger's and NVLD.

I find this to be quite a decent link which outlines the differences and similarities between Asperger's and NVLD.

Here it is: http://www.nldline.com/yvonna.htm.

But don't beat yourself up because of it.

I do hope you could get a job some day, though.