Asperger’s Syndrome is a term that was once commonly used, but today, you might hear it less frequently. The primary reason why Asperger’s is no longer a diagnosis is due to the evolving understanding of autism and the need for clearer and more inclusive diagnostic criteria. It became increasingly challenging for clinicians to distinguish Asperger’s from other forms of autism, leading to its removal as a separate diagnosis in favor of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The symptoms associated with Asperger’s syndrome often closely mirrored those of what is now recognized as ASD level 1, previously sometimes referred to as “high-functioning autism.” This overlap made differentiation unreliable. According to Dolly Ferraiuolo, a licensed clinical social worker, “The decision to remove the term ‘Asperger’s syndrome’ was based on research suggesting that there was significant overlap between Asperger’s and other forms of autism.” This diagnostic ambiguity was a key factor in the shift.
Beyond diagnostic clarity, social factors also played a role in this change. The re-evaluation of Asperger’s as a distinct diagnosis coincided with growing awareness about the history of Hans Asperger, for whom the syndrome was named. Dr. Jessica Myszak, a psychologist, notes, “Though the reasons for this change resulted from unclear distinctions between diagnoses under the original ASD umbrella, it occurred around the same time that more information came to light that Hans Asperger…was a Nazi collaborator.” This historical context added another layer to the discussion around the diagnosis.
The shift to ASD as an umbrella term is also seen by many as a step towards greater inclusivity within the neurodiversity movement. By encompassing Asperger’s under ASD, it helps to unify the community and dismantle harmful stereotypes. Lacey Cottingham, a licensed clinical social worker, explains, “Some believe that by keeping Asperger’s or ‘Aspie,’ we continued that divide, keeping autism as associated with low intellect.” Therefore, the consolidated diagnosis promotes a more unified and less stigmatizing view of autism.
When Did Asperger’s Cease Being a Diagnosis?
The official change occurred in 2013 with the release of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th edition (DSM-5). This manual, a crucial guide for mental health professionals, eliminated Asperger’s as a separate diagnosis. The DSM-5 replaced the previous category of Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD), which included Asperger’s, with the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Instead of distinct subtypes, the DSM-5 introduced levels of severity within ASD to indicate the level of support an individual might require. These levels are:
- Level 3: Requiring very substantial support
- Level 2: Requiring substantial support
- Level 1: Requiring support
It’s important to note that Rett syndrome, previously also under PDD, was not moved under ASD due to the discovery of specific genetic factors distinguishing it. The reclassification primarily aimed to streamline the diagnosis of conditions that shared significant symptomatic overlap, like Asperger’s and other forms of autism, into the unified framework of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This change reflects a move towards a more nuanced and inclusive understanding of neurodiversity.
