Asperger's Syndrome & High-Functioning Autism

High-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome are classified as pervasive developmental disorders (PPD) or as autism spectrum disorders. Sometimes the terms high-functioning autism and Asperger's disorder may be used interchangeably; however, they are two different types of disorders on the autism spectrum. High-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome do share some similarities, but they also have obvious differences.

Autism

• According to Autism-help.org, children are considered to have high-functioning autism when they have an IQ of 80 or above along with the ability to speak, read and write. Individuals with high-functioning autism have social skills deficits that may prevent them from predicting the reactions of others and may also prevent them from learning how to interact appropriately with others and to discern nonverbal social cues.

  Those with high-functioning autism may avoid making eye contact and may seem detached from others around them. For those with high-functioning autism, routine is essential; otherwise, the affected person may become very anxious or agitated in the face of unexpected changes. Some individuals with high-functioning autism may have some degree of motor-skills or coordination deficiency, which may manifest as clumsiness.

Asperger's Syndrome

• Characteristics of Asperger's syndrome include social skills impairment and problems with communication, especially nonverbal communication and social cues. Children with Asperger's syndrome do not usually experience language delays, but they may have difficulty using and understanding language appropriately. Asperger's syndrome may be diagnosed much later than autism because of the lack of early language delays.

  Children with Asperger's syndrome may display other symptoms, such as obsessions with certain subjects or objects, repetitive movements or behaviors, clumsiness or monotone speech, and they may lack the ability to describe their own emotions or to feel empathy for the emotions of others. To outsiders, individuals with Asperger's syndrome may seem selfish, uncaring or self-centered.

Similarities

• High-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome are often difficult to differentiate because many symptoms overlap. Both disorders are probably hereditary in nature; however, environmental causes are sometimes also noted as potential causes.

  A person with either disorder has the potential to have a successful career, but he or she may experience relationship problems throughout his or her lifetime. Both disorders carry the risk of co-morbid conditions, such as sensory integration disorder, ADHD, depression, generalized anxiety disorder, Tourette's syndrome, obsessive compulsive disorder, bipolar disorder, gastrointestinal problems and seizures.

Differences

• Children with Asperger's syndrome usually have better cognitive function than those with high-functioning autism. In addition, children with Asperger's syndrome often have more advanced verbal skills and are usually not language delayed. However, children with Asperger's syndrome may have more problems with visual-spatial perception and visual-motor coordination.

Treatments

• While high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome are technically different disorders, both have similar treatments. Both may benefit from langauge therapy, instruction in social skills, occupational therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

  Both high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome, and their co-morbid disorders, may be treated with medications. Medications may be used to target ADHD, depression and anxiety. Also, risperdal may helpful in treating mood swings, aggression and tantrums that may occur in both high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome.