Today, Aspergers syndrome is technically no longer a diagnosis on its own. It is now part of a broader category called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This group of related disorders shares some symptoms. Even so, lots of people still use the term Aspergers.

Why has Aspergers been removed from the DSM?

As a result of this inconsistent application and similarities among the PDDs, the APA removed the clinical term from use and replaced it with a broad Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) term — encompassing several previous distinct disorders — when they published their most recent diagnostic manual in 2013.

Is Aspergers still used as a diagnosis?

Though the diagnosis of Asperger syndrome is no longer used, many previously diagnosed people still identify strongly and positively with being an “Aspie.”

Does Aspergers no longer exist?

Aspergers still exists, it just falls under a different name. In the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-4), there were four separate diagnoses all related to autism, which fell under a broader category called Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD).

Why is Aspergers disorder no longer a diagnosis?

The Asperger diagnosis is distinguished from autism by a lack of language and cognitive delay. However, language and cognitive delay are not diagnostic criteria for autism. So, to fail to meet criteria for autism, a person with Asperger syndrome must not show the communication impairments specified for autism.

What is the new name for Aspergers?

Today, Aspergers syndrome is technically no longer a diagnosis on its own. It is now part of a broader category called autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This group of related disorders shares some symptoms. Even so, lots of people still use the term Aspergers.

What happened to Aspergers disorder?

In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association stopped using the clinical term Aspergers syndrome, grouping the condition with other forms of autism under the term Autism Spectrum Disorder.