Why do some autistic teens and young adults prefer Asperger Syndrome over “autism”?
Also, check out a free guide for autistic teen/young adult sleep strategies from the Autism Treatment Network
June 11, 2024
Hi, there!
While Asperger Syndrome is no longer a separate diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5), some people on the autism spectrum still identify more with this diagnosis than autism. My son J was diagnosed at age 4 with Asperger Syndrome, and he will sometimes note his actual diagnosis rather than autism. So what is Asperger Syndrome and how does it fit into the autism spectrum?
In this week’s new post on Autism & ADHD Connection, I share about Asperger Syndrome and why sometimes autistics still prefer to be “Aspie” as their diagnosis.
While my son J may be described as having a “milder” form of autism, he still struggles with some communication, social situations, executive function and to a lesser degree now with emotional control. With his ADHD, impulse control, focus and hyperactivity are also a challenge for him.
For him, he does identify overall more with being autistic and will usually tell people he has autism. However, every once in a while, he will note he has Asperger Syndrome, which seems to be how many I’ve met who receive that diagnosis will refer to themselves.
I hope this blog post provides you with some good background information about Asperger Syndrome and why you still hear it being referred to in some places instead of being part of the autism spectrum.
Inspirational Quote
“Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Resources Available
Does your autistic teen struggle with sleep issues? The Vanderbilt University Medical Center offers this free guide from Autism Speaks/Autism Treatment Network for parents and caregivers.
If you ever need to contact me, send me an email at info@autismadhdconnection.com. I’d love to hear from you.
Take care and best wishes for the coming week!
Tamara McGuire Hull
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I find this fascinating. My 29 year old autistic son, a research scientist and avid Wikipedia reader has never wanted to be called an ‘aspie’ or referred to as Aspergers. In the olden days (before the DSM went to the ASD model) when we struggled to find a diagnosis in order to qualify for and be directed to helpful services we were told by one diagnostic institution that he was Asperger’s not autistic. Other institutions and diagnosticians argued for straight Autism- I am happy to use ASD. However, we have since learned that Hans Asperger was a Nazi collaborator and responsible for classifying those on the spectrum as ‘undesirables’. To us Asperger’s has become a nasty word. (And as it had previously also been used as a way to deny my son services the name has always been loaded for me).
I’m not trying to change how your family refers to your neurodiversity, just sharing our family’s journey with the word.
i prefer and am proud of asperger syndrome .it has been a crime lately to say this .because a person in past history.autism and asperger syndrome should be kept apart .each is different from the other .all so making things even more confusing .i take part in a lot lot research .write stories some of have been ..published ..in books ,i am on twitter.x , and on face book..i am from,england .mark