Asperger's Syndrome (historical context)

Asperger's Syndrome is a neurodevelopmental condition on the autism spectrum, characterized by difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside focused interests and routines. The term originated from Hans Asperger, a pediatrician who studied children with these traits in the 1940s. Historically, it was viewed as a distinct diagnosis until the publication of the DSM-5 in 2013, which integrated it under the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This change aimed to emphasize the diversity of autism while recognizing that individuals with Asperger’s often have average or above-average intelligence and may require varied support.