Asperger syndrome, or Asperger’s, is a previously used diagnosis on the autism spectrum. It was one of five forms of autism defined by the DSM-IV. In 2013, Asperger syndrome and the other autism-related diagnoses were folded into the broader autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5), now the DSM-5-TR.
The previous autism diagnosis categories included:
Autistic disorder
Childhood disintegrative disorder
Pervasive developmental disorder, not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS)
Asperger syndrome
Rett syndrome
Although Asperger syndrome has been retired from use by medical professionals, some who received the diagnosis prior to 2013 still use the term and see it as an important part of their identity. Others prefer to refer to themselves as autistic. Both are correct; it is just a matter of personal choice.
Today, those who would have previously met the criteria for Asperger syndrome are diagnosed with level 1 ASD. There is no difference between Asperger’s and autism level 1 diagnoses.
The DSM-5 introduced three ASD levels of severity: level 1 (“requiring support”), level 2 (“requiring substantial support”), and level 3 (“requiring very substantial support”).
Level 1 autism: “Requiring support”
Without supports in place, deficits in social communication cause noticeable impairments. Difficulty initiating social interactions, and clear examples of atypical or unsuccessful response to social overtures of others. May appear to have decreased interest in social interactions. For example, a person who is able to speak in full sentences and engages in communication but whose to- and-fro conversation with others fails, and whose attempts to make friends are odd and typically unsuccessful.
Inflexibility of behavior causes significant interference with functioning in one or more contexts. Difficulty switching between activities. Problems of organization and planning hamper independence.