Asperger syndrome
Asperger syndrome is a previously used medical diagnosis on the autism spectrum that was officially retired in 2013. Under the DSM-5 and DSM-5-TR, Asperger’s was folded into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Today, individuals who would have historically been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome are clinically diagnosed with Level 1 ASD. While it is no longer an active medical term, many individuals still use "Asperger's" as a preferred personal identity.
What is Asperger syndrome?
Asperger syndrome, or Asperger’s, is a previously used diagnosis on the autism spectrum. It was one of five forms of autism defined by the DSM-IV. In 2013, Asperger syndrome and the other autism-related diagnoses were folded into the broader autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5), now the DSM-5-TR.
The previous autism diagnosis categories included:
- Autistic disorder
- Childhood disintegrative disorder
- Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
- Asperger syndrome
- Rett syndrome
Although Asperger syndrome has been retired from use by medical professionals, some who received the diagnosis prior to 2013 still use the term and see it as an important part of their identity. Others prefer to refer to themselves as autistic. Both are correct; it is just a matter of personal choice.
Asperger syndrome symptoms
There is significant overlap in Asperger’s symptoms and ASD symptoms. Learn more about the symptoms of autism.
What is Asperger's called now?
Today, Asperger syndrome is medically classified as Level 1 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). There is no clinical difference between the two profiles in modern diagnostic criteria.
Learn more about level 1 autism and how it is diagnosed in the DSM-5-TR.
Is Asperger syndrome still a valid diagnosis?
No, Asperger syndrome is no longer used by medical professionals as an active diagnosis. It was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013, though it remains a valid personal identity for many who received the diagnosis prior to the change.