What is the difference between children with autism and children with Asperger’s syndrome?
Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, is a disorder that encompasses both Asperger’s syndrome and autism. ASD is an umbrella diagnosis; meaning that there are several subtypes of the disorder all under the same ‘umbrella’. The list of behaviours/attributes necessary to secure a diagnosis of ASD is listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual. Asperger’s syndrome is thought to be on the high functioning end of autism as children can be quite independent and speak/read well. Their learning style, sensory profile and social challenges lead them to the diagnosis of Asperger’s syndrome. A diagnosis of Autism is also given based behaviours/attributes listed in the same manual. These children may have social, communicative, sensory cognitive and modulation difficulties.
