Asperger’s Syndrome, viewed as a separate condition before, is now part of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This change occurred in 2013 when the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) changed its classification.

Medical professionals classify this condition as a high-functioning type of ASD. The symptoms of Asperger’s are less severe than other conditions of ASD. DSM-5 also includes a new condition known as a social pragmatic communication disorder.

Few symptoms of pragmatic communication disorder overlap with the symptoms of Asperger’s. Medical professionals diagnose a person with Asperger’s if they have problems with writing and talking but have average intelligence.

What Does Asperger’s Syndrome Involve?

Asperger’s Syndrome involves:

• The trouble with social interactions
• Limited interests
• Distinctive strengths
• Wish for sameness

What Are the Strengths of Asperger’s Syndrome?

The strengths of Asperger’s Syndrome include the following:

• Extraordinary persistence and focus
• Attention to detail
• Skill for distinguishing patterns

What Are the Challenges of Asperger’s Syndrome?

The challenges of Asperger’s Syndrome include:

• Hypersensitivity to sounds, tastes, lights, and more
• The trouble with communicating and understanding a conversation
• The trouble with nonverbal communication skills, such as distance, tone, loudness, and more
• Depression and anxiety
• Uncoordinated movements or clumsiness

What Are the Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome?

The following are the symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome:

• Unable to make friends or maintain friendships
• Isolation or minimal interaction with people in social gatherings
• Unable to make eye contact or tend to stare at others
• Unable to interpret gestures
• Unable to recognize irony, sarcasm, and humor
• Unable to express empathy and communicate and control emotions
• Lack of common sense
• Fascination with specific subjects
• Interpret information as literal
• Prefer to follow a strict routine
• Tend to engage in one-sided conversations about themselves

How Do Doctors Diagnose Asperger’s Syndrome?

Medical professionals diagnose Asperger’s Syndrome by performing a multi-disciplinary diagnostic team, which includes a speech and language therapist, psychiatrist, pediatrician, and psychologist. Since Asperger’s Syndrome varies from person to person, it is difficult to reach a diagnosis. Therefore, medical professionals tend to diagnose children with Asperger’s Syndrome later, with some diagnosed with it as adults.