How is Asperger’s Syndrome related to Autism?
Asperger’s and some other disorders are believed to fall along a spectrum. This spectrum has been called the autism spectrum, and also the pervasive developmental disorder spectrum. Whatever it is called, Autistic Disorder (or autism) would fall at one end of the spectrum, while “average” or “neurotypical” functioning would be found at the other end. Asperger’s has been conceptualized as a mild, less problematic form of autism that falls between average functioning and autism on this continuum. This means that children with autism experience many of the same symptoms as people with Asperger’s. However, the symptoms of children with autism are usually more severe and their functioning is much more impaired. For example, while a child with Asperger’s may have difficulty using language socially, a child with autism may be mute. Both Asperger’s and Autistic Disorders may involve social rejection, lack of understanding or interest in other people’s feelings, difficulties interacting with ot
