In May 2021, entrepreneur Elon Musk revealed that he has Asperger's syndrome, prompting many people to wonder what this condition is and whether it is related in some way to autism. These two terms are not new to us; for years, there has been awareness that there are quite a few people around us who are diagnosed on the broad autism spectrum. Some can be easily identified, while others cannot. To shed more light on this important and extensive topic, we have prepared a concise guide that will provide you with the necessary information about the autism spectrum. In the following article, you will understand what it is, get to know the main syndromes on the broad spectrum of autism and related terms, and learn whether there is a difference between autism and Asperger's syndrome. This information is particularly important for parents of young children, who may realize the need for an in-depth examination of certain issues through targeted professional diagnosis.
What is the Autism Spectrum?
The autism spectrum, or in its shortened form – autism, is a range of syndromes with a clear common denominator with classic autism, which we will elaborate on later. It is a neurological developmental disorder caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors, affecting a child or adult's abilities in areas such as social communication with their environment, repetitive behavior, and restricted interests. Today, one in every 100 people is diagnosed on the autism spectrum, appearing four times more frequently in boys than in girls, and in the guide at this link you will learn about signs and behaviors associated with the autism spectrum in children.
Syndromes on the Autism Spectrum
As we wrote above, the autism spectrum includes a wide range of syndromes classified based on behavioral symptoms. The differences between them can be significant, but at the same time, the boundaries are not always clear and definitive. According to the DSM, the American psychiatric diagnostic manual, there are five syndromes on the autism spectrum, and today we will present the main and most common ones, along with other terms you may have heard but not fully understood.
Classic Autism
This type of autism is characterized by developmental delay or functional impairment that appears before a child reaches the age of 3 and manifests in several areas. The first is social interaction, often expressed through poor or absent use of non-verbal communication, difficulty connecting with peers, expressing emotions, or interpreting others' feelings, and a lack of enjoyment in shared activities. The second is restricted interests and repetitive behavior, which may include a preference for strict order, a clear routine, and repeated performance of certain movements such as hand-flapping. The third area relates to communication impairment, typically manifested as a delay in language development, automatic repetition of things said by others, and difficulty maintaining a conversation. People with classic autism also experience heightened sensitivity to sensory stimuli.
Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS)
This type is diagnosed by exclusion and is generally characterized by the presence of one or more symptoms of spectrum syndromes at a level that almost crosses the threshold set for other syndromes. Among its many signs, you can find those listed in the link we provided above, such as communication difficulties, including understanding language, understanding and performing social behavior, processing changes in routine or social settings, skill gaps, and repetitive movements or behavioral patterns. Additionally, other signs may include unusual play with toys and other objects and significant engagement in fantasy and an imaginary world. There are several treatments that may alleviate the symptoms of the disorder, such as medications for anxiety and attention difficulties, occupational therapy, art therapy, speech therapy, physiotherapy, special education, and more. Multiple treatments can be conducted simultaneously – all, of course, after consultation with a professional team and experts.
Rett Syndrome
This syndrome is characterized by a process of skill loss or slow or partial development compared to societal norms. 92% of those affected have a mutation in the MECP2 gene, and until 2013, it was defined in the DSM as part of the autism spectrum syndrome, but it is no longer included there – though it is found in other psychiatric diagnostic manuals. Its signs include impaired functioning of the nervous and orthopedic systems, small body structure, hand-flapping, difficulty controlling hand movements for functional purposes, breathing disorders, and sometimes epilepsy and developmental intellectual disability. Additionally, those affected suffer from severe deficits in verbal communication, while their non-verbal communication is better than in cases of classic autism.
High-Functioning / Low-Functioning Autism
This term, which many of you have likely heard, is not one of the syndromes defined in manuals like the DSM but rather a phrase commonly used within the autism treatment community. It describes the ability of individuals diagnosed as autistic to integrate into society in an almost normal way. A person described as high-functioning autistic is one who manages better compared to other autistic individuals, not compared to the general population. In terms of social functioning, they are capable of maintaining stable and good social relationships, studying in general education institutions, earning a living, and raising children. Experts define the level of functioning based on various factors, such as IQ, the severity of autism symptoms, or the ability to manage in life. High-functioning autistic individuals tend to overlook unwritten social rules, fail to adhere to basic etiquette, and may appear detached or dreamy in crowded and busy places.
Asperger's Syndrome
Many of you have probably heard about Asperger's syndrome in recent years without knowing exactly what it entails. Well, it is another syndrome on the autism spectrum, where those affected are defined as high-functioning and may have above-average intelligence and language skills. This syndrome has been classified as part of the autism spectrum since 2013, although those diagnosed before then are still defined as having Asperger's syndrome rather than autism. Within this framework, the syndrome has several signs associated with the autism spectrum:
- Difficulty managing long-term relationships and expressing emotions in social settings
- Restricted interests
- Difficulties with non-verbal communication, including maintaining eye contact and understanding sarcasm
- Adherence to routine and fixed, repetitive behavioral patterns
Is There a Difference Between Autism and Asperger's Syndrome and the Treatments Provided for Them?
As you have understood, there is no substantial difference between the two – Asperger's syndrome is, in fact, part of the autism spectrum, commonly referred to as "autism." The only difference in reality is that people with Asperger's are generally more easily perceived in society as having no developmental disabilities and exhibit only mild autism symptoms. We want to emphasize that many experts argue that autism and what was previously defined as Asperger's are not medical conditions requiring treatment. For them, the best way to assist someone affected is to provide love and support and make them feel accepted. In contrast, others believe these conditions do require treatment – whether medical or anchored in disability rights, such as fair employment conditions or healthcare coverage.
Regarding Asperger's specifically, there are several options that can help alleviate the syndrome, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, taking medications for anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder, speech or language therapy, dietary adjustments or taking supplements, and complementary therapies like massage therapy. Of course, in any case, whether it is Asperger's or any other syndrome on the autism spectrum, it is important to provide the child or adult affected with love and support.
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