Asperger’s vs Autism: What’s the Difference?

Many people wonder about the difference between Asperger’s and Autism, but the most important clarification is this: Asperger’s is no longer a diagnosis you can receive today. Now, people who might once have been diagnosed with Asperger’s are typically identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Level 1, meaning they need lower levels of support.

Understanding the differences — and similarities — between Asperger’s and autism can help individuals embrace their unique neurodivergent strengths.

Remember being a kid on the playground, trying to decode the invisible social rulebook? For some, fitting in came naturally — for others, it felt like learning a second language. If you’re in that second group, you might have caught whispers of terms like Asperger’s and autism, sometimes used as if they mean the same thing. But what do those words really mean — and how have they changed over time?

The short answer: the way we talk (and think) about Asperger’s and autism has evolved a lot — and that shift matters.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

ASD is a neurodevelopmental condition defined by differences in social communication, sensory processing, and behavior. But here’s the thing: “spectrum” isn’t just a clinical buzzword. It’s real. It means that autism shows up in so many ways — some people need a lot of day-to-day support, while others live completely independently and even thrive academically or professionally.

Common traits of ASD include social challenges (like reading nonverbal cues), repetitive behaviors (think stimming or strict routines), and sensory sensitivities (the flicker of fluorescent lights or the scratch of certain fabrics). The way these traits show up — how strong they are, when they show up, and how they affect your life — is highly individual.

What Was (and Isn’t) Asperger’s Syndrome?

Asperger’s Syndrome was a diagnosis used for people who had average or above-average intelligence and no significant language delays, but who experienced challenges with social communication, rigid thinking, and sensory sensitivities. In 2013, it was officially removed as a diagnosis.

If you were diagnosed before 2013, you might still say “Asperger’s Syndrome” — even though today, you would most likely receive the ASD Level 1 Diagnosis. People with Asperger’s were often described as “high-functioning,” usually having strong language skills and average or above-average intelligence. But they also struggled in ways that weren’t obvious to everyone: navigating social dynamics, understanding figurative language (like sarcasm), or managing sensory overwhelm.

For many, Asperger’s isn’t just a clinical label — it’s part of their identity. And because there’s still stigma around autism in some places, saying “I have Asperger’s” can feel safer, more accurate, or more accessible than “I have autism.”

What Are The Differences Between Asperger’s and Autism

Many people still wonder about the difference between Asperger’s and Autism, but the most important clarification is this: Asperger’s is no longer a diagnosis you can receive today. Before 2013, Asperger’s Syndrome described individuals who had average to above-average intelligence, strong verbal skills, and autism-related differences in social communication, sensory processing, and behavior. When the DSM-5 was released, the term Asperger’s was officially removed and merged into the broader diagnosis of ASD. Now, people who might once have been diagnosed with Asperger’s are typically identified as having ASD, Level 1, meaning they need lower levels of support.

Although the label has changed, the lived experience has not disappeared. Many adults still identify with the term Asperger’s because it reflects how they were understood—or how they understand themselves—before the diagnostic shift. Clinically, however, professionals no longer differentiate between Asperger’s and Autism. Instead, they describe an individual’s strengths, challenges, and support needs within the unified ASD framework. What matters most is not which label is used, but ensuring that people receive recognition, validation, and services that reflect their unique neurodivergent profile.

So, you might be wondering: if Asperger’s is now just autism, why do people still talk about the difference?

Good question!

While Asperger’s has been absorbed under the ASD diagnosis, some of the old distinctions still matter — especially in how people understand themselves and how clinicians think about support.

Historically:

• People with Asperger’s usually didn’t have significant language delays.

• Their cognitive ability often fell in the average or above-average range.

• They might have developed clever strategies to “mask” or hide their social struggles — appearing socially fluent, even as they felt like they were faking it.

But here’s the kicker: these differences are not rigid. They exist on a spectrum, and for many people, they overlap.

Thinking about getting evaluated for Autism?

Clinicians at Thriving Wellness Center prioritize understanding who you are today — not just what label fits.

Do Treatment Options Differ for Asperger’s vs. “Classic” Autism?

Short answer: not really — but the approach matters. Because Asperger’s is part of ASD, the treatments don’t wildly differ. What does differ is how support is tailored to your strengths, challenges, and personal goals.

Here’s what care often looks like:

• Therapy: At Thriving Wellness Center, we use neurodiversity-affirming approaches.

• Executive Function Coaching: Many individuals with ASD struggle with organization, focus, or planning — support here helps.

• Occupational Therapy: This helps with daily life skills and managing sensory needs.

• Speech / Social Communication Therapy: For interpreting social cues, practicing conversations, or navigating professional settings.

• Mental Health Support: Many autistic folks also deal with anxiety, depression, or emotional regulation challenges.

• Evaluation & Accommodations: A thorough diagnostic assessment can open doors — from workplace accommodations to school support.

If you’re curious about what therapy could look like for you, check out our post on Therapy for People with High-Functioning Autism

Looking for personalized support?

See how our autism-focused therapy can help with social skills, sensory sensitivities, and emotional regulation.

Why the Change in Labels Is Actually a Big Deal

The change from Asperger’s to ASD matters because it improves diagnostic clarity, reduces confusion, and helps more people access proper support. It also shifts the focus from labels to individual support needs rather than outdated categories.

You might think, “This is just semantics, why does it matter?” But names do matter — and not just in a clinical way.

Here’s why it matters:

1. Validation & Identity: For some people, continuing to call themselves “Asperger’s” helps them connect to their self-understanding and community.

2. Access to Support: A diagnosis of ASD can unlock accommodations (at work or school), therapy, and coaching — things you might not have had access to under older labels. You can read more about what to expect from an adult autism evaluation on our Adult Autism Testing & Evaluation page.

3. Shifting Stigma: By embracing ASD as a broad spectrum, we reduce harmful hierarchies like “high- vs low-functioning” — and center the individual, not the label.

Your Next Steps: What to Do If You’re Thinking, “Is This Me?”

If you’ve ever found yourself googling “Do I have Asperger’s?” or “Could I be autistic?” — here’s what you might do next:

• Explore our autism evaluation services: At Thriving Wellness Center, we offer both in-person and virtual Autism / Asperger evaluations for teens and adults.

• Read other articles: For instance, our blog has articles on Signs of Autism in Teens & Adults and Adult Autism Testing: What to Expect.

• Get support: Whether or not you pursue a diagnosis, therapy can help. We offer Autism specific therapy tailored to neurodivergent needs.

• Contact us to chat: Have questions about the evaluation process or the evaluation cost? Reach out — we’re here to help.

Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, whether you say “Asperger’s,” “autism,” or “I don’t know yet,” what’s most important is being seen, understood, and supported. Labels are useful. They can guide treatment. Everyone on the spectrum deserves a place to belong, strategies that meet their brain’s needs, and care that respects their identity.

If you’re ready to take steps — big or small — toward clarity and growth, our team at Thriving Wellness Center is here for you. You don’t have to do it alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is high-functioning autism different from Asperger’s?

Asperger’s is no longer a diagnosis you can receive today. When the DSM-5 was released, the term Asperger’s was officially removed and merged into the broader diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Now, people who might once have been diagnosed with Asperger’s are typically identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1, meaning they need lower levels of support.

2. Is Asperger’s a mild form of autism?

Asperger’s was historically used for people with milder autism traits and stronger language skills. Today, it’s considered part of ASD Level 1, meaning lower support needs compared to other autism levels.

3. Is Asperger’s still a diagnosis today?

No. Since 2013, Asperger’s is no longer a separate diagnosis. It was merged into ASD under the DSM-5, usually categorized as Level 1 autism.

4. What are the main differences between Asperger’s and autism?

The main difference is historical. Asperger’s referred to people with milder autism traits and no speech delay, while Autism Levels 1, 2, and 3 now cover a full spectrum of abilities, challenges, and support needs.

5. Do people still use the term Asperger’s?

Yes. Many people still identify with the term Asperger’s due to personal, cultural, or identity reasons. Even though it is no longer a clinical diagnosis, it remains widely used in everyday language.

6. What are the main signs and traits associated with Asperger’s?

Common traits include social communication challenges, difficulty reading social cues, strong special interests, sensory sensitivities, preference for routines, and deep focus on specific topics.

7. How does Asperger’s affect adults differently from children?

In adults, Asperger’s often appears as difficulty with social relationships, workplace communication, emotional regulation, and sensory overload. Many adults also develop coping strategies or “masking” skills over time.

8. What causes autism or Asperger’s?

Autism is caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. There is no single cause. Brain development differences play a key role, and it is not caused by vaccines or parenting.

9. Is autism genetic or environmental?

Autism is largely genetic, but environmental factors during pregnancy or early development may also contribute. Most research shows that genetics plays the strongest role in autism development.

10. What support is available for Asperger’s today?

Support may include therapy, social skills training, accommodations at school or work, sensory support, and mental health services tailored to individual needs.

11. How does Asperger’s impact relationships and communication?

People with Asperger’s may struggle with understanding social cues, body language, or indirect communication. However, many form deep, loyal relationships when given the right support and understanding.

12. Can therapy reduce autism support needs over time?

Therapy doesn’t “cure” autism, but it can improve communication, emotional regulation, and independence, helping individuals reduce support needs and improve quality of life over time.