Differences Between Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s syndrome is often confused with autism because both are disorders that affect psychological development due to abnormalities in brain function and development. However, the confusion arises because Asperger’s syndrome is part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but they are not the same; rather, it is a variant of this type of disorder.
When we talk about Asperger’s syndrome, we are referring to the behavioural and developmental characteristics that children with this condition exhibit. However, children with Asperger’s have perfectly normal intelligence. The disorder is not immediately apparent, as it only becomes noticeable within their immediate social circle, due to their difficulty relating to others.
On the other hand, autism is a lifelong neurological disorder. A child with autism has difficulty relating to and communicating with others and often repeats behaviours. It is a disorder that is often detected at birth, but occasionally it is observed throughout development. This is because it tends to affect communication, both verbal and nonverbal.
Although at first glance both disorders may seem to share very similar characteristics, the truth is that they differ in many aspects. In this sense, we can identify five key characteristics that help us distinguish between Asperger’s syndrome and autism:
| Feature | Asperger’s Syndrome | Autism |
| Language | Language development is generally less affected | Language and communication may be affected |
| Movements | May show differences in movement or coordination | Repetitive or stereotyped movements may occur |
| Diagnosis | Signs may be recognised later | Signs may become noticeable earlier in development |
| Interests | Strong or focused interests may be present | Repetitive behaviours and focused interests may be present |
| Social interaction | May want to socialise but have difficulty doing so | Social interaction and communication may be difficult |
5 Key Differences Between Asperger’s Syndrome and Autism
1. Language
The ability to communicate is one of the key differences between the two disorders, as language can be affected in people with autism, while people with Asperger’s syndrome have a richer vocabulary. Likewise, one of the most notable differences between the two is their ability to communicate about a topic that genuinely interests them.
2. The Movements
The way of walking, the way of performing any movement, is quite characteristic in a person with Asperger’s syndrome, because they tend to be slightly less agile in movements, while, on the other hand, people with autism perform stereotyped or repetitive movements.
3. The Diagnosis
Typically, when a person has Asperger’s syndrome, the diagnosis is usually made after the age of three, since the signs for detecting it tend to appear later. However, autism manifests itself much more clearly during the first three years of life.
4. The Interest
People with Asperger’s syndrome often exhibit an obsessive interest in topics or areas they particularly enjoy or find captivating, while people with autism do not typically display such a pronounced focus. However, individuals with autism may experience emotional breakdowns when an object in their environment is moved from its usual place.
5. The Difficulty in Relating
Often, people with autism show little interest in socialising or making friends due to their difficulty in doing so and their disinterest; however, people with Asperger’s syndrome generally have a greater desire to socialise, although their difficulties may make them feel frustrated.
Conclusion
In conclusion, each person is unique and may exhibit very different characteristics, despite these five key differences between children with Asperger’s syndrome and those with autism. Therefore, it is essential to pay close attention to any symptoms that may appear in order to treat them correctly and specifically in each individual case.
Also Read: 7 Types Of Psychology – Everything You Need To Know
