Asperger's syndrome is part of the autism spectrum and is characterized by differences in social communication, the interpretation of implicit norms, and a particular way of processing information. It is not a disease or disorder that needs to be cured, but a neurological condition that accompanies a person throughout their life and requires understanding, appropriate support, and accessible environments.
In the context of the International Day of Asperger's Syndrome, specialists note that this neurodevelopmental condition was previously considered a subtype of what were then called pervasive developmental disorders (PDD). Since 2013, following the update to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), the diagnosis of Asperger's syndrome has been integrated into the autism spectrum and is no longer considered a separate entity.
«Early diagnosis and an individualized approach are key for every person with a diagnosis of autism spectrum conditions, including the traditionally called Asperger's syndrome, to develop their skills and adapt to their environment,» highlights Dr. Viviana Enseñat, head of the Developmental Pediatrics Unit (UPD) of the British Hospital.
«It is important to consider associations with other developmental diagnoses, such as anxiety, ADHD, and specific learning difficulties. The approach is individualized and depends on each person, considering their family, school, and community context, as well as their life stage. Our goal is to accompany families and educators, providing concrete, evidence-based strategies to promote the social, emotional, and academic development of each child, adolescent, or adult,» she adds.
When starting school, rigidity and difficulties in understanding social norms may become evident, sometimes manifested as «behavioral problems». As they grow, difficulties in social interaction intensify, and there may be avoidance of sports or school activities due to challenges in planning and motor coordination.
Difficulties with changes, transitions, and sensory processing (sounds, smells, textures) can lead to behavioral manifestations not always recognized in educational, social, or professional contexts. In adolescence and adulthood, emotional symptoms such as anxiety and depression may arise, underscoring the importance of early recognition and lifelong follow-up.
Diagnosis requires an interdisciplinary evaluation based on DSM-5 criteria, as there are no biomarkers or specific tests; it is based on behavioral observation and structured interviews.
Among common myths are that all people with Asperger's have high intellectual abilities, that they lack empathy, or that the syndrome is caused by parental factors. None of these are scientifically supported.
«Difficulties in social reciprocity are more evident in interaction with peers and change throughout life,» notes a report accessed by the Argentine News Agency (Agencia Noticias Argentinas).
Buenos Aires, February 18 (NA) – In a report accessed by the Argentine News Agency, it was indicated that the main characteristics originally described were difficulties in the quality of social interaction, the presence of patterns of repetitive and restricted behavior, the lack of a significant delay in language development, and the absence of an intellectual disability.
People who previously received an Asperger's diagnosis usually correspond to individuals with autism spectrum conditions without an intellectual disability or significant language delay, but with social difficulties and patterns of repetitive or restricted behavior.
The most common clinical manifestations include difficulties in social reciprocity (e.g., problems starting or maintaining conversations), alterations in nonverbal communication (eye contact, gestures, and literal understanding of language), intense and restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors.
Supports are designed to optimize the person's potential. In early childhood, it is important to observe the lack of response to one's name and language that, although fluent, may have peculiar characteristics, such as a neutral or monotonous intonation and the use of advanced words for their age.
