Asperger’s syndrome was once a stand-alone mental health diagnosis. It is now considered part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Difficulty interacting with others, repetitive behaviors, and strictly following routines are common signs.

Asperger’s syndrome, though no longer an official diagnosis, belongs to a group of neurodevelopment conditions known as autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Experts consider what was previously diagnosed as Asperger’s syndrome to fall on the mild end of the autism spectrum. Now you might also notice this is called level 1 ASD.

The main signs of Asperger’s include:

  • having difficulty with social interaction
  • engaging in repetitive behavior
  • standing firm on opinions and beliefs
  • focusing on rules and routines

Some autistic people have what’s often referred to as high-functioning autism.

“High-functioning” isn’t actually a diagnosis. It simply means they need less support than other people on the autism spectrum. This category typically includes people with Asperger’s.

Learn more about autism terms.

Asperger’s doesn’t involve delays in language skills or cognitive development, so people can generally manage the activities of daily life on their own. Their needs generally won’t prevent them from being educated in a mainstream classroom or holding a job, in other words.

Asperger’s syndrome is no longer a standalone diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5).

This most recent edition was published in 2013. Since then, anyone who would have received a diagnosis of Asperger’s according to diagnostic criteria in previous editions of the manual would simply get a diagnosis of ASD instead.

The signs associated with Asperger’s now fall under ASD, a spectrum of persistent communication and behavior patterns. But many people who received an Asperger’s diagnosis before this change may still prefer the original term.

Learn more about the signs of ASD.

The major difference that sets Asperger’s apart from ASD is that people with Asperger’s tend to:

They may need very little day-to-day support, and they may not get a diagnosis until later in life.

Some signs of Asperger’s include:

  • Hyperfocus. Many people develop an extreme focus on a narrow topic of interest. For children, that could be an all-consuming interest in things like train schedules or dinosaurs, for example. This interest can fuel one-sided conversations with peers and adults.
  • Trouble recognizing social cues. People with Asperger’s might remain unaware of attempts to change the topic of conversation, which can be one reason why they have difficulties with social interactions. They may also have difficulty knowing when to lower their voices in certain locations.
  • Difficulty reading facial expressions or body language. Many autistic people have a hard time recognizing and understanding other people’s feelings. They might find body language difficult to interpret, avoid making eye contact, speak in a monotone, and display few facial expressions.
  • Difficulty with motor skills and coordination. Some children with Asperger’s may find essential motor skills, like running or walking, challenging. They might lack coordination and have trouble with climbing or riding a bike.

Learn more about the criteria previously used to diagnose Asperger’s syndrome.

Changes in the brain are responsible for all ASD diagnoses, but doctors haven’t yet determined exactly what causes these changes.

Experts have identified a few potential factors that might contribute to the development of autism, including genetics and exposure to environmental toxins, such as chemicals or viruses.

Boys are more likely to receive a diagnosis of ASD. That said, 2017 research suggests many autistic girls never get the right diagnosis.

No single test can tell you whether you or your child is on the autism spectrum. If you’ve noticed any signs of Asperger’s, a mental health professional or specialist can help determine support needs by assessing key areas, including:

  • language skills
  • social interactions
  • facial expressions when talking
  • interest in interacting with others
  • attitudes toward change
  • motor coordination and motor skills

Some people on the autism spectrum might originally receive a diagnosis of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or other neurodevelopmental conditions. If a diagnosis doesn’t seem to fit, you always have the option of connecting with another specialist or healthcare professional.

Remember, though, that professionals no longer diagnose Asperger’s — they’ll diagnose ASD instead.

Many autistic people, including people with Asperger’s, don’t consider ASD a disability or disorder.

To put it another way, Asperger’s, like autism, isn’t a medical condition that requires treatment. Some autistic people may need support at school, work, or when handling activities of daily life, but support isn’t the same thing as treatment.

Early diagnosis can make it easier to get the right kind of support, which can help improve social interactions and day-to-day function.

When it comes to ASD support, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Different people have different needs, and a combination of therapies and other approaches can help address each person’s specific challenges.

People with Asperger’s could also, of course, have mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression, just like anyone else. Getting treatment for these mental health symptoms can go a long way toward improving overall well-being.

Medication

There’s no medication that treats Asperger’s, but some people might use medication to manage symptoms of common conditions that occur at the same time, namely depression and anxiety.

Medications sometimes prescribed include:

Therapy

Various therapy approaches can help improve communication skills, emotional regulation, and social interaction. These include:

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of psychotherapy that can help identify and change negative and unhelpful thought and behavior patterns. CBT can help with anxiety, depression, and other personal challenges or day-to-day difficulties.
  • Speech therapy. A speech therapist evaluates and address language and communication challenges. For someone with Asperger’s, speech therapy might help with voice control.
  • Social skills training. Social skills programs address issues that make social interaction challenging for people. Skills taught might range from conversational skills to understanding social cues and non-literal language, such as slang and commonly used expressions.
  • Physical therapy (PT) and occupational therapy (OT). PT and OT can help improve fine motor skills and coordination. OT can also help children with Asperger’s cope with sensory issues.

Parental training and therapy can also help parents get support with raising a child on the autism spectrum.

Other approaches

Not much research supports the benefits of other approaches for people with Asperger’s, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they can’t help.

Other potentially helpful strategies include:

  • Melatonin. Sleep disturbances, which aren’t uncommon in children with Asperger’s, can worsen anxiety, depression, and irritability. Some evidence from 2018 suggests melatonin could have benefit, so it may be worth asking your doctor about trying it.
  • Music and art therapy. Music therapy (also called sound healing therapy) and art therapy could help with communication, emotional, and social challenges associated with Asperger’s.
  • Massage therapy. Massage therapy may provide a short-term reduction in anxiety or sensory-related symptoms for some autistic people, as long as they’re comfortable with being touched.
  • Acupuncture. A 2018 review found that acupuncture could help improve social adaptation and sleep, along with other symptoms of ASD. The review authors emphasized the need for larger randomized controlled trials to support these findings.
  • Support groups. Children and adults with Asperger’s, along with their families, may find it helpful to connect with others on the spectrum. Support groups and online forums offer an accessible environment to discuss Asperger’s and get more information and guidance.

There’s no cure for Asperger’s. But again, many people don’t consider it a condition in need of curing.

Early diagnosis can help people with Asperger’s identify key support needs and learn skills for navigating social interactions and other aspects of daily life. Most adults with Asperger’s work and live independently.

Like everyone else, people with Asperger’s have their own individual challenges and strengths. A doctor, mental health professional, or specialist can offer guidance with identifying your child’s unique needs and developing a support plan to accommodate them.

If you think you or a loved one may be autistic, a good next step involves connecting with a doctor, mental health professional, or other specialist.

Learn more about autism in adults.

In search of more information or support? There are resources for autistic people of all ages, as well as their parents and other family members. Get started by: