Asperger syndrome

What is Asperger syndrome?

A young man wearing a plaid shirt while sitting on a bench outside and looking away at the road

Asperger syndrome, or Asperger’s, is a previously used diagnosis on the autism spectrum. In 2013, it was folded into the broader autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5), now the DSM-5-TR.

The previous autism diagnosis categories included autistic disorder, childhood disintegrative disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) and Asperger syndrome.

Although Asperger syndrome has been retired from use by medical professionals, some who received the diagnosis prior to 2013 still use the term and see it as an important part of their identity. Others prefer to refer to themselves as autistic. Both are correct; it is just a matter of personal choice.

What is Asperger syndrome called now?

Today, those who would have previously met the criteria for Asperger’s syndrome are diagnosed as Level 1 ASD. Learn more about Level 1 autism and how it is diagnosed in the DSM-5-TR.

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