Asperger's Disorder (historical context)

Asperger's Disorder, once considered a distinct condition within the autism spectrum, was first described by Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger in the 1940s. He identified children who showed difficulty in social interactions but had average or above-average intelligence and language skills. Historically, it was recognized as a unique diagnosis until 2013 when the DSM-5 merged it into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This change aimed to create a more cohesive understanding of autism, reflecting the continuum of symptoms and abilities, rather than separating individuals based on specific labels, fostering better support and recognition.