Asperger syndrome AS , also known as Asperger's syndrome or Asperger's , is a diagnostic label that has been used to describe a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication , along with restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior and interests. The syndrome was named in by English psychiatrist Lorna Wing after the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger , who, in , described children in his care who struggled to form friendships, did not understand others' gestures or feelings , engaged in one-sided conversations about their favorite interests , and were clumsy.
However, with the publication of DSM-5 in the syndrome was removed, and the symptoms are now included within autism spectrum disorder along with classic autism and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified PDD-NOS. The exact cause of autism, including what was formerly known as Asperger syndrome, is not well understood. The effectiveness of particular interventions for autism is supported by only limited data. In , Asperger syndrome was estimated to affect The extent of the overlap between Asperger syndrome and other forms of autism, particularly what was sometimes called high-functioning autism is unclear.
Like the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome, [ 38 ] the change was controversial. The World Health Organization WHO previously defined Asperger syndrome AS as one of the pervasive developmental disorders PDD , which are a spectrum of psychological disorders that are characterized by abnormalities of social interaction and communication that pervade the individual's functioning, and by restricted and repetitive interests and behavior.
Like other neurodevelopmental conditions, ASD begins in infancy or childhood, has a steady course without remission or relapse, and has impairments that result from maturation-related changes in various systems of the brain. As a pervasive developmental disorder , Asperger syndrome is distinguished by a pattern of symptoms rather than a single symptom. It is characterized by qualitative impairment in social interaction, by stereotyped and restricted patterns of behavior, activities, and interests, and by no clinically significant delay in cognitive development or general delay in language.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors are a serious concern within the autistic population. One study found that adults with Asperger syndrome exhibited suicidal thoughts at 9 times the rate of the general population.
