Differences between autism and Asperger syndrome

There is much talk about Autism and Asperger's Syndrome And sometimes it seems that we are talking about the same problem since it obviously has many similarities. And it is that Asperger's syndrome is a disorder within autism, however, although they are very similar they have their differences. You are probably doubting whether your child or an acquaintance suffers from some of these disorders since you have noticed in him some symptoms associated with them or simply be interested in these issues and call you the attention that they have a great similarity and you want to know their differences also.

Regardless of the reason you have for which you want to know the Differences between autism and Aspeger syndrome, In this Psychology-online article we will begin by explaining the concept of both disorders, their causes and incidents and describing you in detail what they are and what the differences between both conditions of mental health are.

1. What is Asperger's syndrome and autism
2. Differences between Asperger and Autism Syndrome
3. Causes and incidents of Asperger's syndrome and autism

What is Asperger's syndrome and autism

To understand the differences between autism and Asperger's syndrome the first thing is to understand what each of these mental health diseases consists.

Asperger syndrome

He Asperger syndrome It is a condition that is located within the disorders of the autistic spectrum which affects the neurobiological development of the person suffering. The person with this disorder shows many difficulties in some areas of his life, which have very variable severity levels depending on the particular case.

People with Asperger syndrome have difficulties in the social area Since they have a hard time acting assertively with other people, in the emotional area, they have a hard time recognizing their emotions and those of others so they lack empathy. They are also often physically clumsy by what they act in a stereotyped way and do not show alterations in the cognitive area. In this other article we tell you how to treat a child with Asperger syndrome.

Autism

He autism It is a complex neurobiological disorder that is characterized by a Development deficit permanent that affects the person in different areas of his life as in social, communicative and behavioral. The person suffering from this type of disorder presents great difficulties in relating to others, are usually isolated rejecting physical contact in some cases and prefer to be locked up in themselves.

Have difficulties to express yourself Through verbal and nonverbal language, in terms of non -verbal they usually have stereotyped movements and in verbal they have a hard time making use of language sometimes reaching total or partial mutism. As for the cognitive area, it is usually frequent that there is some intellectual disability.

Differences between Asperger and Autism Syndrome

Between the Differences between autism and Asperger's syndrome We can find the following:

Identification and diagnosis

Autism can be identified and diagnosed frequently at very early ages. The parents of a child with autism can begin to suspect their existence from the 18 months of life since generally the alterations in the development they present are very evident since the 3 years. On the other hand, Asperger's syndrome is usually diagnosed at more advanced ages, for example around 7 or 8 years of age and even sometimes it can begin to identify in adolescence.

Intelligence quotient

Children diagnosed with autism have problems in their cognitive development since it is common for many cases to occur where there is an intellectual disability. On the other hand, when it comes to people diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, they generally show no problem in the cognitive area and can even have an intellectual coefficient above normal.

Language

There are also differences in the acquisition of language in both disorders. In the case of autism, there is an obvious delay in language development and generally the people who suffer from it have a very poor and limited vocabulary, sometimes reaching total mutism. Some children with autism can only emit sounds. On the contrary, children diagnosed with Asperger syndrome usually acquire a vocabulary considered suitable for their age and can even use a richer and more extensive vocabulary since sometimes they can use more technical or elaborate words, so they are reached by consider that they are too cultured.

Social relationships

People with both conditions usually have problems in social relationships due to their great difficulty in relating assertively with others. However, there is a very important aspect that differentiates them and that is that children with Asperger syndrome unlike children with autism really want social contact and have friendships and frustrated themselves to their difficulties in achieving it. Autistic children totally or almost complete.

Physical development

Physical development in children with autism is considered normal being consistent with their evolutionary age. However, in the case of children with Asperger's syndrome they show a motor delay, which leads to their motor movements being quite clumsy.

Interests

In both disorders people who suffer from them usually have obsessive interest towards certain topics. The difference is that in the case of autism, interest is based on a specific stimulus, however in the case of Asperger's syndrome the issues of interest are usually more elaborate and the list of topics is also broader.

Causes and incidents of Asperger's syndrome and autism

After having analyzed in detail the differences between both conditions, we will know in a general way the causes that produce them and the incidents so that this type of sufferings occur.

The causes caused by these types of conditions are similar. Both disorders are caused by a genetic alteration, as well as by intrauterine and childbirth factors, such as anoxia that is the lack of oxygen of the fetus during childbirth, which results in abnormal neurological development.

It has also been found that another of the factors that can influence this condition are infections during pregnancy which can lead to certain brain structures involved in the development of emotions and learning deterioration.

As for the number of incidents or affected people of this type of disorders, it has been found that in the case of Asperger's syndrome the number is greater, becoming 2 and 3 times more common than in the case of autism.

This article is merely informative, in psychology-online we have no power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to Differences between autism and Asperger syndrome, We recommend that you enter our category of neurological disorders.