What Happened to Asperger's Syndrome?
From Diagnosis to Disappearance: The Complicated Legacy of Asperger’s Syndrome
Growing up in the 90s, there were often some kids in our elementary schools or high schools who were “just a little bit different,” or who didn’t quite fit in with everyone else, but often were at least of average intelligence—if not above-average intelligence. These children and teenagers were often diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. But what is Asperger’s Syndrome, and why isn’t it a diagnosis anymore?
In this article, I’ll discuss the history of Asperger’s Syndrome (as well as the man who described the condition), the controversy around the term, and where we’re at now with it.
A Digestible History of Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome (sometimes referred to as Asperger’s or Asperger’s Disorder) was first introduced to the medical community by Hans Asperger in his article “‘Autistic Psychopathy’ in Childhood,” published in 1944.
By the time his paper was published, Asperger had already spent years studying what he called “autistic psychopathy,” having observed and analyzed more than 200 children. He described a few specific children—four boys he studied intensely—as having a "lack of empathy, poor ability to make friends, unidirectional conversation, strong preoccupation with special interests, and awkward movements.” However, he also described them as “little teachers” because they were able to talk about their favorite subjects at length and in great detail (special interests, much?).
Despite the release of Asperger’s study, it went largely unnoticed by the English-speaking medical community for decades until other researchers brought it into the spotlight.
How the Term “Asperger’s Syndrome” Originated
Lorna Wing, a British psychiatrist notable for her research into autism, first coined the term "Asperger’s Syndrome” in 1976. She chose the term in order to avoid potential misunderstandings regarding the term “autistic psychopathy”—the original term that Asperger had used.
However, the term didn’t become widely known until Wing published “Asperger’s Syndrome: A Clinical Account” in the Journal of Psychological Medicine in 1981. In the study, she suggested that Asperger’s Syndrome ought to be placed on the autism spectrum as there were some overlapping symptoms, although not everyone agreed with her.
Asperger’s Syndrome Added in the DSM-IV (1994)
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (commonly referred to as the DSM-IV), published in 1994, officially recognized Asperger’s Syndrome as a distinct diagnosis within the broader category of pervasive developmental disorders.
Unlike classic autism, individuals diagnosed with Asperger’s were typically noted to have average to above-average intelligence and no significant delays in language development, though they still exhibited marked difficulties with social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive interests. This distinction allowed clinicians to identify and support a subset of autistic individuals whose traits often went unnoticed under earlier diagnostic criteria.
Asperger’s Syndrome Removed from the DSM-V (2013)
When the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-V) was released in 2013, Asperger’s Syndrome was removed as a separate diagnosis and merged into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
This change reflected a growing consensus among experts that autism-related conditions exist along a continuum rather than as distinct disorders. The revision aimed to improve diagnostic consistency and recognize the wide variation in how autism presents—from individuals with significant support needs to those with average or high intelligence who may have previously been diagnosed with Asperger’s.
Although the term Asperger’s Syndrome is still commonly used in everyday conversation, it is no longer an official clinical diagnosis as of 2013. I touched on some more about the Asperger’s Syndrome versus autism confusion in my article Why is Everyone Autistic Now?
Controversy Surrounding Asperger’s Syndrome
While it’s no longer a clinical term, many people still identify with the term “Asperger’s” because it was part of their personal diagnostic history or identity. Some of the reasons Asperger’s Syndrome was folded into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) include:
Improved Accuracy: By combining Asperger’s Syndrome into the autism spectrum, clinicians hoped to improve diagnostic accuracy and consistency. This helps ensure that people with similar needs get similar support, regardless of the specific label.
Avoiding Confusion: The separate label of Asperger’s Syndrome sometimes led to misunderstandings about what autism looks like, especially when people assumed Asperger’s was “milder” or fundamentally different. The new spectrum approach emphasizes that autism varies in intensity and presentation rather than being separate conditions.
A Lack of Clear Boundaries: Experts found that the differences between Asperger’s Syndrome and other forms of autism were not consistent or well-defined. People diagnosed with Asperger’s often had similar traits and challenges as those with what was previously called “high-functioning autism.”
🧠 NeuroTip: Many autistic people dislike the term “high-functioning” when it comes to autism because it dismisses support needs and can be misleading. Even those with so-called “high-functioning” autism still struggle immensely.
Hans Asperger’s Nazi Ties
Another reason the term Asperger’s Syndrome has fallen out of favor is because of the ties Asperger had to the Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei (NSDAP)—more commonly referred to as the Nazi Party. Much of the early literature on Asperger either ignored or downplayed any involvement, often portraying him as a defender of autistic children. The truth, however, is more sinister.
Asperger advanced his career under the Nazi regime, partly due to the removal of Jewish doctors after the 1938 annexation of Austria. While he may have not been a hardcore Nazi ideologue, he made political concessions and collaborated to some extent with Nazi racial hygiene policies, and had been “accused on uncertain grounds of harboring sympathy for Nazi politics.”
More damningly, Asperger actively participated in sending several autistic children to Am Spiegelgrund, a children’s clinic in Vienna during WWII, to be “euthanized” (read: murdered) by the Nazis. One gravesite of child victims reads (in German):
“In memory of the children and adolescents who fell victim to [Nazi] euthanasia as ‘life unworthy of life’ from 1940 to 1945 in the former children's hospital Am Spiegelgrund.”
Conclusion: Understanding the Past, Navigating the Present
The story of Asperger’s Syndrome is complex: rooted in evolving science, shifting diagnostic standards, and a deeply troubling historical legacy. While the term once helped identify and support individuals who were often misunderstood or overlooked, its removal from the DSM-V and the revelations about Hans Asperger's Nazi affiliations have led to necessary reexaminations of how we talk about the syndrome today.
Despite no longer being used in clinical settings, the term “Asperger’s” remains a meaningful part of many people’s identities. Some find clarity or community in the term, while others embrace the more inclusive language of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Ultimately, what matters most is listening to autistic voices, respecting personal preferences, and continuing to move toward a more nuanced, compassionate understanding of neurodiversity.
As we look back at the history of Asperger’s Syndrome, it’s not just about a diagnosis; it’s about the people behind it, the systems that shaped it, and the ongoing effort to support and affirm every autistic person, no matter where they fall on the spectrum.
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