4/12/2021 Asperger syndrome | Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD) – an NCATS Program

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Asperger syndrome

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Not a rare disease

Other Names: Asperger disorder
Categories: Behavioral and mental disorders (/diseases/diseases-by-category/3)

Summary
Asperger syndrome is part of the autism spectrum disorder
(https://rarediseases.info.nih.gov/gard/10248/autism-spectrum-disorders/Resources/1) (ASD), a
group of disorders that affects the development of social and communication skills.[1][2] Unlike
many children with ASD, children with Asperger syndrome do not have early language delays, and
often have well developed language skills and normal to above average intelligence. However, they
may use unusual speech patterns and have a hard time understanding irony, humor, and sarcasm or
gestures and social cues important to normal conversation.[3] Many children with Asperger
syndrome develop an obsessive interest in one topic or object. They may use high-level vocabulary
or complex statistics in conversation.[1][3] Children with Asperger syndrome may have delayed motor
skills and thus can appear uncoordinated and clumsy compared to their peers. Other features of
Asperger syndrome include di culty interacting with peers, inappropriate social or emotional
behavior, and engaging in repetitive routines.[1] Both children and adults with Asperger syndrome are
at an increased risk for depression (https://medlineplus.gov/depression.html), attention de cit
hyperactivity disorder (https://medlineplus.gov/attentionde cithyperactivitydisorder.html) (ADHD),
mood (https://medlineplus.gov/mooddisorders.html) and anxiety
(https://medlineplus.gov/anxiety.html) disorders, and other mental health disorders.[4]

The cause of Asperger syndrome, like most ASDs, is not fully understood, but there is a strong
genetic basis, which means it does tend to run in families.[5][6][7] Multiple environmental factors are
also thought to play an important role in the development of all ASDs.[6]

Treatment for Asperger syndrome depends on each person's age and needs, and the
recommendation is for treatment to begin as early as possible.[1][8] Many people with Asperger
syndrome can learn strategies to manage their symptoms.[1] Treatment may include behavioral
therapy, speech and language therapy, support in school, and mental health counseling. Medications
may sometimes be used for behavioral or mood disorders.[8] 

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Of note: the  newest edition, updated in 2013, of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental
Disorders (https://www.autism-society.org/dsm-iv-diagnostic-classi cations/#autism)(DSM-V),
which is used predominantly in the United States (US), replaced the terms Asperger syndrome and
other pervasive developmental disorders with the umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder
(http://www.dsm5.org/Documents/Autism%20Spectrum%20Disorder%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf).[2] This
means that currently, Asperger syndrome is not o cially considered a separate disorder in US, but
instead it is now part of the autism spectrum disorder (https://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-
guides/autism-spectrum-disorders) (ASD). However, many doctors still use this term.[3] The World
Health Organization International Classi cation of Diseases, (ICD-11) which is used in other
countries throughout the world still uses Asperger syndrome as a subtype of ASD.[8]
Last updated: 11/15/2017

Inheritance
Asperger syndrome, like all autism spectrum disorders (ASDs), has a strong genetic basis, however
the way it runs in families is complex. Doctors believe this is because although a baby may inherit a
genetic change that increases their risk for developing Asperger syndrome (genetic predisposition),
other factors in the environment are involved in the development and course of the syndrome.[5][6][7] 

There are many different genes that are believed to be associated with an increased risk for
developing Asperger syndrome and the search continues for more.[5] Scientists are also working to
better understand of how variations in different genes may in uence this risk and which
environmental factors may be important.[5][6] Therefore, to get the most current information, people
with speci c questions about genetic risks to themselves or family members are encouraged to
speak with a genetic counselor or other genetics professional.
Last updated: 11/15/2017

Do you have updated information on this disease? We want to hear from you. (/Feedback?
diseaseId=5855)

Prognosis
With behavioral and educational assistance, people with Asperger syndrome can learn ways to
manage their symptoms.[1][8] In some cases, adults may do so well, they no longer meet the criteria
for being diagnosed with Asperger syndrome.[4] However, many people continue to struggle with
social interactions and relationships throughout adulthood. This is especially true if the person has
one or more mental health disorders in addition to Asperger syndrome. While some adults with
Asperger syndrome may continue to need support with meeting demands of everyday living, many
are able to nd employment, develop social relationships, and/or live independently.[1][4][8]
Last updated: 11/15/2017

Research

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Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment.
This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=%22Asperger+syndrome%22)
lists trials that are related to Asperger syndrome. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to
read descriptions of these studies.

Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes

only; being listed does not re ect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend
that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical
study.

Organizations
Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can
provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force
behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research,
resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or
provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services
they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Autism Society of America (/organizations/25)
4340 East-West Highway, Suite 350
Bethesda, MD 20814-3067
Toll-free: 800-328-8476
Telephone: 301-657-0881
E-mail: info@autism-society.org (mailto:info@autism-society.org)
Website: http://www.autism-society.org (http://www.autism-society.org)

Autism Spectrum Connection/Coalition (/organizations/542)

P.O. Box 524
Crown Point , IN 46308
Telephone: +1-219-789-9874
E-mail: maapatoasis@gmail.com (mailto:maapatoasis@gmail.com)
Website: http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/ (http://www.aspergersyndrome.org/)

Do you know of an organization? We want to hear from you. (/Feedback?diseaseId=5855)

Learn More

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These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-
depth resources contain medical and scienti c language that may be hard to understand. You may
want to review these resources with a medical professional.

Where to Start
MedlinePlus (http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001549.htm) was designed by
the National Library of Medicine to help you research your health questions, and it provides more
information about this topic.
The Merck Manual (http://www.merckmanuals.com/home/children-s-health-issues/learning-and-
developmental-disorders/autism-spectrum-disorders) provides information on this condition for
patients and caregivers. 

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

(https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Asperger-Syndrome-Information-Page)
(NINDS) collects and disseminates research information related to neurological disorders. Click
on the link to view information on this topic.

In-Depth Information
Medscape Reference (http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/912296-overview) provides
information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration
is free.

Orphanet (http://www.orpha.net/consor/cgi-bin/OC_Exp.php?lng=en&Expert=1162) is a European

reference portal for information on rare diseases and orphan drugs. Access to this database is
free of charge.

PubMed (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?
db=omim&cmd=Display&dopt=omim_pubmed_calculated&from_uid=300425) is a searchable
database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Asperger syndrome. Click on
the link to view a sample search on this topic.

GARD Answers
Questions sent to GARD may be posted here if the information could be helpful to others. We
remove all identifying information when posting a question to protect your privacy. If you do not
want your question posted, please let us know.

Have a question? Contact a GARD Information Specialist. (/about-gard/contact-gard)

References 
1. Asperger Syndrome Information Page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
(NINDS). https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Asperger-Syndrome-Information-
Page (https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Asperger-Syndrome-Information-
Page). Accessed 11/15/2017.
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2. American Psychiatric Association. Neurodevelopmental Disorders. Diagnostic and Statistical

Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition. Washington DC: American Psychiatric Association
Publishing; 2013;
3. Asperger's Syndrome. Autism Society. http://www.autism-society.org/what-is/aspergers-
syndrome/ (http://www.autism-society.org/what-is/aspergers-syndrome/). Accessed
11/15/2017.
4. Gillberg IC, Helles A, Billstedt E, Gillberg C. Boys with Asperger Syndrome Grow Up: Psychiatric
and Neurodevelopmental Disorders 20 Years After Initial Diagnosis. J Autism Dev Disord.
January, 2016; 46(1):74:82. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26210519
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26210519).
5. Schaefer GB. Clinical Genetic Aspects of ASD Spectrum Disorders. International Journal of
Molecular Sciences. 2016; 17(2):January 29, 2016.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4783914/
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4783914/).
6. Mandy W, Lai MC. Annual Research Review: The role of the environment in the developmental
psychopathology of autism spectrum condition. J Child Psychol Psychiatry. March 2016;
57(3):271-92. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26782158
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26782158).
7. Johannessen J, Nærland T, Hope S, et al. Parents’ Attitudes toward Clinical Genetic Testing for
Autism Spectrum Disorder—Data from a Norwegian Sample. International Journal of Molecular
Sciences. May 18, 2017; 18(5):1078. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454987/
(https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5454987/).
8. von Hahn LE. Asperger syndrome (a speci c autism spectrum disorder): Management and
prognosis in children and adolescents. UpToDate. Waltham, MA: UpToDate; November 29, 2016;
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/asperger-syndrome-a-speci c-autism-spectrum-disorder-
management-and-prognosis-in-children-and-adolescents
(https://www.uptodate.com/contents/asperger-syndrome-a-speci c-autism-spectrum-disorder-
management-and-prognosis-in-children-and-adolescents).

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