Main Definition

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurological disorder

Signs typically appear during early childhood and influence an
individuals ability to communicate and interact with other
individuals
Defined using a spectrum disorder which affects individuals
differently
Aspergers syndrome is at the high end of the spectrum (High
Functioning end of the spectrum)
Individuals typically exhibit difficulties in social communication
skills. In terms of IQ, these individuals are typically in the normal
or superior range
Many of these individuals are at risk for mood disorders (i.e.
anxiety and depression in adolescence)

History
Hans Asperger: Born in 1906 and died in 1980. He did not live to see his work being recognized
(It was believed that Hands exhibited similar behaviours to Asperger Syndrome)
First described in the 1940s by pediatrician Hans Asperger (He published the first definition)
o He observed autism like behaviours and difficulties within four boys, he called this
autistic psychopath
o Autism=self
o Psychopathy=personality disorder
o These patterns and behaviours included a lack of empathy, difficulty forming friendships,
clumsy movements and an ability to talk about their favourite subject or interest in great
detail. Hans was certain that children who were identified as having autistic symptoms
would use their talents in adulthood (Example Fritz V became an astronomy professor)
o It is important to note that most children function within a normal range of intelligence
Asperger syndrome is believed to be a milder form of autism and high functioning autism was
used to describe these individuals
NAME CHANGE: in 1994 Asperger syndrome was added to the American Psychiatric
Associations Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV) As a separate
category
o In 2013, the DSM-5 replaced Autistic Disorder, Asperger Disorder and other
developmental disorders with the umbrella diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Asperger Syndrome was eliminated as a separate diagnosis and was put into the autism spectrum
on a severity scale
Autism as a spectrum (Include that Aspergers is on the high end of the spectrum):
Autism Spectrum Disorders, however, describes individuals who have characteristics ranging
from what was called autism, which can be very severe, to those with characteristics that have
less impact (though still quite serious) on social, cognitive, or emotional growth (Bennett,
Dworet & Weber, 2008, p.166)
The DSM and Pervasive Development Disorder divide Autism Spectrum Disorders into five
separate categories (Bennett, Dworet & Weber, 2008, p.166)
o Autistic disorder
o Aspergers disorder (syndrome): usually in relation to those individuals with speech and
average to above average intelligence, but who are impaired in social interactions and
have specialized interests
o Pervasive developmental disorder
o Childhood disintegrative disorder
o Retts disorder