By Tim Aiello, MA, LPC, ADHD-CCSP, ASDCS
Clinical Director, Myndset Therapeutics
As a neurodivergent therapist specializing in ADHD and Autism in adults, I often hear from clients who wonder why “Asperger’s” is no longer a diagnosis. Many who were diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in the past still identify with the term, while others are confused by the change. This shift reflects a more accurate and inclusive understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and helps ensure that individuals receive the right support.
The History of Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s syndrome was named after Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger, who, in 1944, described children with social difficulties, restricted interests, and rigid thinking but who also had average or above-average intelligence. His work remained largely unknown outside of German-speaking countries until the 1980s, when British psychiatrist Dr. Lorna Wing introduced the term "Asperger’s syndrome" to describe a subgroup of autistic individuals who did not exhibit language delays but still struggled with social communication.
By 1994, Asperger’s was added to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) as a distinct condition separate from Autism and Pervasive Developmental Disorder-Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). This classification, however, would change as research into autism advanced.
Why Asperger’s Was Removed from the DSM
In 2013, the release of the DSM-5 restructured autism diagnoses, removing Asperger’s as a standalone condition and incorporating it into the broader Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) diagnosis. This change was made for several reasons:
Autism Exists on a Spectrum – Research showed that autism is a spectrum with varying levels of support needs rather than distinct categories. The old system failed to reflect the diverse ways autism presents.
Inconsistent Diagnoses – Many clinicians found it difficult to distinguish between Asperger’s, Autism, and PDD-NOS, leading to inconsistent and often subjective diagnoses.
A More Inclusive Approach – By classifying all presentations under ASD, the diagnostic criteria became more precise, ensuring that individuals who need support are not overlooked.
What This Means for Adults Who Were Diagnosed with Asperger’s
If you were previously diagnosed with Asperger’s, you are still autistic. The term Asperger’s is now considered part of the broader autism spectrum. While some adults continue to use the label Asperger’s, the medical community now recognizes it as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) without subcategories.
This shift also highlights the importance of moving away from functioning labels like “high-functioning” and “low-functioning,” as these terms fail to capture the fluctuating needs and challenges of autistic individuals. Instead, ASD is now diagnosed based on the level of support required in different areas of life.
Moving Forward: Understanding and Acceptance
This change in diagnostic criteria reflects a more compassionate, research-based understanding of autism. It helps ensure that all autistic individuals, regardless of how their traits present, receive the recognition and accommodations they need.
At Myndset Therapeutics, I work with adults navigating late diagnoses, identity shifts, and the challenges of being autistic and ADHD (AuDHD) in a world that often misunderstands neurodivergence. If you have questions about autism, ADHD, or how these changes impact you, I’m here to help.
References
Lyons, V., & Fitzgerald, M. (2007). A concise history of Asperger syndrome: The short reign of a troublesome diagnosis. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 37(3), 551-559.
Wing, L. (1981). Asperger's syndrome: A clinical account. Psychological Medicine, 11(1), 115-129.
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.).
Healthline. (2021). 'Asperger's Syndrome': Why We No Longer Use That Term.
National Autistic Society. (n.d.). Asperger syndrome.
For more information on adult autism and ADHD, visit www.myndset-therapeutics.com.
Comments