Autism spectrum disorder - Asperger syndrome
Definition
Asperger syndrome is often considered a high functioning form of autism. It can lead to difficulty interacting socially, repetitive behaviors, and clumsiness.
Asperger syndrome, however, is no longer used as a diagnostic term. While once used to describe someone with autism who did not also have a learning disability diagnosis, it is a part of the autism spectrum and there isn't a need for a separate term.
References
Bang JY, Feldman HM. Language development and communication disorders. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 53.
Bridgemohan CF, Weitzman CC. Autism spectrum disorder. In: Kliegman RM, St. Geme JW, Blum NJ, et al, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics. 22nd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2025:chap 58.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD). www.cdc.gov/autism/index.html. Updated April 15, 2025. Accessed April 21, 2025.
Chaves-Gnecco D, Feldman HM. Developmental/behavioral pediatrics. In: Zitelli BJ, McIntire SC, Nowalk AJ, Garrison J, eds. Zitelli and Davis' Atlas of Pediatric Physical Diagnosis. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 3.
Sidhu R, O'Banion D, Hall C. Autism and other neurodevelopmental disabilities. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 90.
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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