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What Happened to Asperger Syndrome? Is It Still a Diagnosis Today?
- Autism-Talk
- Jul 27
- 5 min read
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Quick Takeaways: Asperger syndrome was removed from the DSM-5 in 2013 and is now considered part of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The change was made to create more consistency and improve access to support services. Individuals once diagnosed with Asperger's are now typically considered to have Level 1 ASD. The term Asperger's is still used in some parts of the world, but not in U.S. diagnostic systems. What matters most is recognizing each person’s unique strengths and needs, not the specific label.
If you've been in the autism world for a while, you've probably heard the term Asperger syndrome.
It was once a common diagnosis for children and adults who showed autistic traits but had strong verbal and cognitive skills. But in the U.S., this label has largely disappeared. So, what happened to Asperger syndrome—and is it still a diagnosis?
How has the label changed, why does it matter, and what it means for families today.
Table of Contents
What Happened to Asperger Syndrome?
Is Asperger's Still a Diagnosis Today?
Asperger Syndrome vs Autism Spectrum Disorder
Why Was Asperger Syndrome Removed from the DSM?
Why Asperger's Can Be Controversial
What Parents and Teachers Should Know
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Final Thoughts
Related Resources
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What Happened to Asperger Syndrome?
In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association released the fifth edition of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders), known as the DSM-5. In this updated manual, Asperger syndrome was removed as a standalone diagnosis.
Instead, individuals who would have previously received this label are now diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) under a new system that includes three levels of support needs.
Why the change?
Too much overlap: Research showed that people diagnosed with Asperger's had more similarities than differences compared to those diagnosed with high-functioning autism.
Inconsistent use: Clinicians across the U.S. were using terms like PDD-NOS, Asperger syndrome, and autism inconsistently.
Access to services: Some children with Asperger's struggled to get therapy or school services because their diagnosis didn’t officially include "autism."
Is Asperger's Still a Diagnosis Today?
In the United States, no. Asperger syndrome is no longer an official diagnosis under the DSM-5. However, in other parts of the world, particularly countries using the ICD-10 (International Classification of Diseases), the term Asperger syndrome may still be used.
Even in places where it is no longer a clinical label, many people continue to identify as having Asperger’s or being an "Aspie." That’s okay. Self-identification can be a meaningful part of someone’s identity.
Asperger Syndrome vs Autism Spectrum Disorder
Here’s a quick comparison of how the diagnosis has changed:
Visual Comparison Chart
Old Diagnosis | New Diagnosis (DSM-5) |
Asperger Syndrome (DSM-IV) | Autism Spectrum Disorder (Level 1) |
No language delay | May or may not have early language delays |
Average to above-average IQ | Range of cognitive abilities |
Described as "high-functioning" | Avoids functioning labels; uses support levels |
Often excluded from autism services | Included under ASD for access to support |
The new approach recognizes autism as a spectrum, with different levels of support rather than dividing people into distinct categories.
Why Was Asperger Syndrome Removed from the DSM?
The DSM-5 aimed to improve clarity and consistency. Here’s why experts decided to eliminate Asperger's as a separate diagnosis:
Research evidence showed no clear biological or developmental distinction between Asperger syndrome and autism.
Simplified diagnosis: A single autism spectrum category made it easier for professionals assess and plan supports.
More inclusive: It expanded access to services for those who might have been left out before.
Why Asperger's Can Be Controversial
Even before the diagnostic shift, some concerns were emerging:
Hans Asperger's Nazi Ties
New research uncovered that Hans Asperger, the Austrian doctor the condition was named after, may have cooperated with Nazi authorities in targeting disabled children. For many, this history makes the label deeply uncomfortable.
Functioning Labels
The term "high-functioning" often tied to Asperger’s can:
Mask real struggles with anxiety, burnout, or social interaction
Create unrealistic expectations
Divide the autism community based on perceived ability
Today, many advocates prefer using the broader term "autistic" and discussing individual support needs instead of labels.
"Functioning labels ignore the fact that all autistic people have strengths and challenges. We don’t need to be ranked. We need to be supported."— Autistic advocate Lydia X. Z. Brown
"I was diagnosed with Asperger’s. Now I just say I'm autistic. It describes how I experience the world, not how I perform for it."— Self-advocate on Twitter (shared anonymously)
What Parents and Teachers Should Know
If your child was previously diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, or if you're working with a student who was, here are a few important takeaways:
The diagnosis may have changed, but your child hasn't. Their strengths and needs remain the same.
Support is based on individual needs, not labels. Whether it's sensory tools, visuals, or social coaching, what works for your child still matters.
Services may be easier to access under ASD. Many schools and insurance providers now offer better support under the updated diagnostic system.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can someone still be diagnosed with Asperger syndrome?
In the U.S., no. The DSM-5 replaced it with Autism Spectrum Disorder. But internationally, especially in ICD-10 countries, the term may still be in use.
Should I stop using the term Asperger's?
It depends on your comfort level. Some people still identify with it, while others prefer "autistic" or "neurodivergent." Be respectful of how individuals choose to describe themselves.
What does Level 1 Autism mean?
Level 1 is the mildest classification under ASD. It typically applies to individuals who need some support with social communication and flexibility but may have strong language and cognitive skills.
Is there still a difference between Asperger's and high-functioning autism?
These terms used to be used differently, but current research shows there's no meaningful distinction. That’s part of why the DSM merged them.
Will services change for someone who had an Asperger diagnosis?
Possibly. Many individuals now qualify for broader autism supports that weren’t previously available to them.
Final Thoughts
Whether someone once had an Asperger diagnosis or now falls under Autism Spectrum Disorder, the heart of the matter hasn’t changed: every child deserves support that honors who they are. Labels may evolve, but our focus remains on understanding each person’s unique brain, their strengths, and the strategies that help them thrive.
If you're looking for tools that support autistic kids of all profiles, check out my visual schedules, social skill stories, and calming resources designed for children at all levels of the autism spectrum. Rainbow Autism Resources
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