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Megan-Lynette Richmond, M.S., CCC-SLP and Susie S. Loraine, M.A., CCC-SLP
PLEASE NOTE: The information in this Handy Handout was
derived from the DSM-4-TR, which was released in 2000. The autism
diagnostic criteria has changed significantly per the DSM-5, released in
2013. Please see Handy Handout #420 for more information regarding these
important changes, including the official elimination of Asperger Syndrome
and PDD-NOS as formal diagnoses.
Asperger syndrome (AS) is a disorder in development
characterized by social interaction difficulties and repetitive patterns
of behavior and activities. Although AS is on the autism spectrum, it is
different from other autism spectrum disorders (ASD)-autism, Rett
syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder, and pervasive development
disorder-not otherwise specified (PDDNOS; "DSM-IV-TR®", 2000, p. 74).
As well, AS is often mistaken for other language and learning disabilities
that do not fall under the autism spectrum.
AS shares many traits with other childhood disorders which makes it
challenging to identify. This is why professionals use
differential diagnosis-comparing signs and symptoms of different
disorders to distinguish between them. The following chart pinpoints the
differences that you may notice between AS and other (childhood)
disorders.
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Asperger Syndrome
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Autism
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| No significant language delay |
Significant language delay-difficulty understanding and using language
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No significant delay in cognition-no mental retardation
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May or may not have cognitive delays-problems with thinking or mental
retardation
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Asperger Syndrome
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Speech/Language Disorders
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Difficulty with social language and interaction
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Problems with understanding and using the structures of language, such
as grammar, and/or sound production issues
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| More frequently occurs in males |
Not gender specific |
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IQ may be normal to above average
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Students may present with a wide range of IQ scores from low average
to above average
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Difficulty with motor (movement) planning; issues sequencing motor
movements both gross-large muscles groups (running) and fine-small
muscles groups (writing)
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No major motor movement issues |
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Unimaginative speech-speaking extensively on a favorite topic, such as
a TV show
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Difficulty putting parts of sentences together for extensive
discussion or writing
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Asperger Syndrome
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Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
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Attention problems may be because of social communication difficulty
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Attention problems due to lack of impulse control
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Difficulty reading and interpreting body language and facial
expressions
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Normal ability to read and interpret body language and facial
expressions
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Asperger Syndrome
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
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Repetitive and limited interests
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Variety of interests and flexibility/shifts in focus
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Significant social-interaction difficulties
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May have social-interaction difficulties
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Often identified by the age of three
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Often identified at five years or older
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Asperger Syndrome
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PDD-NOS
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| Language develops normally |
Delayed onset of language skills
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Interest but difficulty with social communication
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Lack of or limited interest in social communication
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Asperger Syndrome
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Schizophrenia
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Often identified by the age of three
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Not identified until late teens to mid-30s
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Poor coordination can persist throughout life
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Poor coordination may occur secondary to medication
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| Often normal verbal skills |
Disorganized speech and inconsistent language use ("DSM-IV-TR®",
2000)
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Resources
"DSM-IV-TR®" American Psychiatric Association. (1994). Diagnostic and
statistical manual of mental disorders (4th ed.) Washington, DC: Author.
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