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.

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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.