How to tell if someone has aspergers: Signs & Symptoms of Asperger’s
Asperger’s Syndrome Signs and Symptoms
Children and adults with Asperger’s syndrome experience a wide variety of symptoms, and no two cases are exactly the same.
Some individuals will face minor issues that don’t interfere with their everyday lives, while others will struggle to function in academic, social, and workplace environments.
For many years, Asperger’s syndrome was considered a distinct diagnosis, but in 2013 the American Psychiatric Association reclassified Asperger’s under the broader umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). However, many clinicians continue to reference Asperger’s syndrome as part of discussions with patients and families when looking at a potential ASD diagnosis. (1)
Knowing the symptoms of Asperger’s can help parents, and patients themselves, get an accurate diagnosis.
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Testing for Asperger’s Syndrome
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Testing for Asperger’s Syndrome
Your doctor might suggest that your child take a test to see if he or she has symptoms of Asperger’s syndrome.
Some assessments are designed for children, while others are specifically created for adults.
Asperger’s is no longer considered its own syndrome in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Because doctors are now instructed to diagnose Asperger’s under the broad category of autism spectrum disorders (ASD), some may not screen for Asperger’s-specific symptoms.
Still, testing tools may help clinicians better evaluate behavior, personality, language skills, IQ, mental health, and more in people with Asperger’s. And some of the tests may overlap with measures that help identify classic autism.
Tools to Assess Children for Asperger’s
There’s not one specific test to diagnose Asperger’s, but many are used to analyze and assess the condition.
Some of these include:
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) This widely-used assessment tool helps identify children with an autism spectrum disorder and determine the severity of their condition. It includes 15 items that evaluate social interaction, emotion regulation, thinking skills, ability to adapt, and more. Each item is rated on a scale of one to four. It’s a highly sensitive test for kids ages 2 and older, but some studies have shown that CARS may over-diagnose young children as having autism. (1)
- Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GADS) This is especially helpful in distinguishing between autism, Asperger’s, and other behavioral disorders. It’s appropriate to use with individuals between ages 3 and 22. It takes about 5 to 10 minutes and can be completed by a parent, teacher, or health professional. (2)
- Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale (ASDS) The ASDS evaluation looks at specific behaviors associated with Asperger’s, documents progress, and suggests goals for change.
It’s used for assessing children and adolescents and can be completed in 15 minutes by anyone who knows the child well. (3) - Autism Spectrum Rating Scales (ASRS) This evaluation detects symptoms and behaviors of autism spectrum disorders in kids ages 2 to 18. It takes about 20 minutes to complete and is the first test that compares the child with a national sample of children with autism spectrum disorders. (4)
- Social Responsiveness Scale This test is commonly used to distinguish autism spectrum disorders from other psychiatric conditions. It takes about 15 to 20 minutes to complete and is suitable for individuals ages 4 to 18. (5)
It’s used for assessing children and adolescents and can be completed in 15 minutes by anyone who knows the child well. (3)Tools to Assess Adults for Asperger’s
Some common evaluations used to analyze Asperger’s in adults include:
- Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale (RAADS) This test includes 80 questions that can help identify adults who show symptoms of Asperger’s. RAADS analyzes language, social interactions, sensory-motor skills, interests, and more. A mental health professional scores and analyzes the results. (6)
- Asperger’s Quotient Test (AQT) This 50-question online test measures symptoms of Asperger’s in adults. It’s not used to make a formal diagnosis but rather to give you a rough idea of whether you have certain symptoms that might be characteristic of Asperger’s. (7)
- Autism Diagnostic Interview (ADI) With this test, a psychologist or other professional interviews a person, asking questions about language, communication, social interaction, interests, and other behaviors. It can be used for both children and adults. (8)
RAADS analyzes language, social interactions, sensory-motor skills, interests, and more. A mental health professional scores and analyzes the results. (6)Genetic Testing to Spot Autism-Linked Mutations
Genetic testing can spot changes in a person’s DNA that are associated with specific conditions. For instance, genetic disorders such as Rett syndrome or Fragile X syndrome are linked to autism spectrum disorders.
Other genetic variability may also play a role.
Your doctor might recommend genetic tests, such as chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA) or whole-exome sequencing (WES). One expert says such testing may uncover an identifiable genetic cause for an autism spectrum disorder in 15 to 30 percent of children who have already been diagnosed. (9) However, genetic testing will not give answers to everyone.
Other Common Tests Used to Assess Asperger’s
Your doctor will likely perform a variety of other tests to evaluate you. These might include:
- A physical, psychological, and/or neurological exam
- Hearing, speech, or language tests
- An IQ and/or personality test
- An electroencephalography (EEG), a test that looks at electrical activity in the brain
- A brain scan, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Standard Developmental Screening for Children
Even if your child doesn’t show any symptoms of an autism spectrum disorder, your primary care doctor or pediatrician will likely screen for developmental delays during routine visits.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that all children be screened for developmental delays and disabilities during their well-check visits at:
- 9 months
- 18 months
- 30 months
Additionally, all toddlers should be screened specifically for autism spectrum disorders at their 18-month and 24-month well-check visits. (10)
If your child shows signs of an autism spectrum disorder during a standard evaluation, you’ll likely be referred to a specialist for further testing.
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Making a Diagnosis
Your healthcare provider will probably use a variety of tools and tests to assess your condition.
Additionally, most professionals refer to the criteria listed in the American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) DSM-5 to make an official diagnosis (or the International Classification of Diseases, ICD-11, in many countries outside the United States).
The newest version of the manual states that an individual with Asperger’s should be given a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Those who have deficits in social communication, but no other categories, should be evaluated for social (pragmatic) communication disorder. (11)
Many parents may find it frustrating that the APA no longer recognizes Asperger’s as a separate disorder, but this change doesn’t mean your child can’t receive effective treatment for his or her condition.
Why Testing Is Important to Your Child
Getting an ASD diagnosis related to Asperger’s can be a challenging ordeal. Kids with Asperger’s are often misdiagnosed as having other conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Some are overlooked, altogether.
That’s why testing tools are vital for helping doctors make an accurate analysis. They can give professionals a clear and in-depth look at your child’s condition.
An accurate diagnosis can ensure kids receive prompt and helpful treatment.
Research shows therapies that involve early intervention can help improve many symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. (12)
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking
- Chlebowski C, Green JA, Barton ML, Fein D. Using the Childhood Autism Rating Scale to Diagnose Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. January 7, 2010.
- Samadi SA, Biçak CA, Noori H, et al. Autism Spectrum Disorder Diagnostic Criteria Changes and Impacts on the Diagnostic Scales-Utility of the 2nd and 3rd Versions of the Gilliam Autism Rating Scale (GARS). Brain Sciences. April 23, 2022.
- Camodeca A, Todd KQ, Croyle J. Utility of the Asperger Syndrome Diagnostic Scale in the Assessment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. February 2020.
- Simek AN, Wahlberg AC. Test Review: Autism Spectrum Rating Scales. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment. April 2011.
- Constantino JN, Davis SA, Todd RD, et al. Validation of a Brief Quantitative Measure of Autistic Traits: Comparison of the Social Responsiveness Scale With the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. August 2003.
- Ritvo RA, Ritvo ER, Guthrie D, et al. The Ritvo Autism Asperger Diagnostic Scale-Revised (RAADS-R): A Scale to Assist the Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults: An International Validation Study. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. August 2011.
- Woodbury-Smith MR, Robinson J, Wheelwright S, Baron-Cohen S. Screening Adults for Asperger Syndrome Using the AQ: A Preliminary Study of Its Diagnostic Validity in Clinical Practice. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. June 2005.
- Lord C, Rutter M, Le Couteur A. Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised: A Revised Version of a Diagnostic Interview for Caregivers of Individuals With Possible Pervasive Developmental Disorders. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. October 1994.
- Genetic Testing Can Guide Interventions for Autism and Its Co-Occurring Conditions. Autism Speaks. March 23, 2022.
- Screening and Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder for Healthcare Providers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. April 6, 2022.
- Autism Diagnosis Criteria: DSM-5. Autism Speaks.
- Study Finds Early Intervention Highly Effective. Autism Speaks. November 29, 2009.
Validation of a Brief Quantitative Measure of Autistic Traits: Comparison of the Social Responsiveness Scale With the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. August 2003.
October 1994.Additional Resources
- About Rett Syndrome. International Rett Syndrome Foundation.
- Fragile X Syndrome. MedlinePlus. April 1, 2020.
- Miller DT, Adam MP, Aradhya S, et al. Consensus Statement: Chromosomal Microarray Is a First-Tier Clinical Diagnostic Test for Individuals With Developmental Disabilities or Congenital Anomalies. American Journal of Human Genetics. May 14, 2010.
- What Are Whole Exome Sequencing and Whole Genome Sequencing? MedlinePlus. July 28, 2021.
- What Is Asperger Syndrome? Autism Speaks.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder: Diagnosis and Treatment. Mayo Clinic. January 6, 2018.
- Developmental Surveillance and Screening. American Academy of Pediatrics.
- International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD). World Health Organization.
Show Less
What Is Autism? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Managing It
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental and neurological disorder that affects about 1 in 36 children in the U.S. Here’s everything you need…
By Brian Mastroianni
What Is Asperger’s Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
People with Asperger’s often perform repetitive behaviors, struggle to communicate, and display other awkward mannerisms.
By Julie Lynn Marks
What Is Asperger’s Syndrome? Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
People with Asperger’s often perform repetitive behaviors, struggle to communicate, and display other awkward mannerisms.
By Julie Lynn Marks
Treatment of Asperger’s Syndrome: Many Therapies Can Help
Effective treatments can improve how someone with Asperger’s copes with social challenges, impulses, emotions, motor skill deficits, and other behaviors…
By Julie Lynn Marks
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Asperger’s Syndrome Signs and Symptoms
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Adult Asperger’s Syndrome: 12 Signs
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Knowing Yourself A Human Among Humans
In some countries, this syndrome is no longer considered a separate diagnosis and is considered as a type of autism spectrum disorder. However, not all experts agree with this, and many people with this disorder see little in common with autism in their condition, since they do not have speech and cognitive impairments.
Be that as it may, this disorder seriously complicates a person’s daily existence and can create problems in his professional and personal life. Here are some signs that often distinguish people with Asperger’s Syndrome:
1. Unusual way of speaking. You may seem to be talking to a computer: the interlocutor brings down a stream of facts at you without pausing and (almost) not listening to you. Sometimes people with this syndrome have an unusual timbre of voice.
2. Difficulties with non-verbal communication. You may notice that your interlocutor almost does not use gestures, and his facial expressions are not rich.
3. Lack of eye contact. It’s not that your interlocutor can’t make eye contact with you, it’s just that they don’t feel the need for eye contact. If you draw his attention to this, he may try not to look away and even go too far, looking at you too intently.
4. Problems with etiquette.
Such a person may seem rude or ill-mannered, but in fact he simply lacks intuition telling how to behave correctly. For example, he may turn away and go about his business without listening to what you say to him, or invite you to dinner and not come, or open the door when you arrive, look at you and, without greeting, go into the house. The rules of good manners, which are accepted in society, are alien to him.
5. Obsessive focus on one topic (often unusual). He may collect things that others would not think of collecting, he may have an unusual hobby, he may show an obsessive interest in some person. And talk non-stop about the subject of your passion, not noticing how it tires your interlocutors. Sometimes he suddenly switches to another hobby. If he has lost interest in the person he adored, he will suddenly become cold with him.
6. Inability to understand the feelings of another person. They are often seen as cold, unfeeling, lacking in empathy.
But it’s not that they’re incapable of empathy or unwilling to show kindness. They just have less emotional experiences than others. Often they cannot understand why other people are so upset or excited, and then they prefer to go away and think about it alone.
7. Poor communication skills. Sometimes they talk non-stop about their own, not noticing that others are offended or they are no longer interested in listening. And when they don’t like someone, they abruptly end the conversation. Such behavior from the outside seems absurd.
8. Inability to share feelings. Does it surprise you when a well-known person at a meeting does not even ask how you are doing, and does not tell about his success himself? But it is unusual for people with Asperger’s syndrome to share feelings and impressions.
9. Black and white thinking. Having once come to an opinion or decision, they will stick to it, in spite of any arguments.
It is difficult for them to accept that other people have a different point of view.
10. Lack of flexibility. Plans changed at the last minute? For a person with Asperger’s, this is a test fraught with psychological overload, he is not ready for impromptu. He can be upset by real trifles, seemingly not worthy of attention, or by something that is unusual for him.
11. Following routine. Structure and established rules are extremely important to him. In the event of a violation of the usual routine, they feel unsettled and begin to panic.
12. Hypersensitivity. They can be very sensitive to touch and try their best to avoid it, except for a partner. They will recoil if they are patted on the back and will not allow themselves to be hugged. They may also have other autistic traits, such as heightened sensitivity to sounds, lights, and even hard tags on the inside of clothing.
Can Asperger’s syndrome be cured in adults?
There are no specific drugs for this disorder.
But psychological counseling in this case can be very helpful. A psychologist can teach such a client how to cope with stress, communicate more effectively and interact with others, which will make his daily life easier.
Text: Alina Nikolskaya Photo Source: Getty Images
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How to Identify Asperger’s Syndrome in Adults: Key Features
General Signs and Symptoms of Asperger’s Syndrome
Asperger’s Syndrome is one of the autism spectrum disorders that has milder symptoms than those of autism. People may exhibit only some of these or all of the characteristics.
Social symptoms that can affect how a person interacts or communicates with others include:
Problems making or maintaining friendships
Isolation or minimal interaction in social situations
Poor eye contact or a tendency to stare on others
Problems with interpreting gestures
Inability to recognize humor, irony and sarcasm
Unacceptable behavior or strange manners
Lack of empathy, problems expressing empathy, controlling emotions, or expressing feelings
Lack of common sense
Tendency to one-sided conversation (prefer to talk about themselves)
Passion for certain topics
Interpretation of information literally
Following a strict schedule or routine
An adult or child with Asperger’s may not show all of these signs, but is generally prone to social difficulties.
For example, a person with Asperger’s may talk obsessively about one particular subject. Obsessing over different types of birds, sports statistics, or your own personality is a good example of this.
He may not understand when someone feels uncomfortable, offended, or disinterested. Since he does not always recognize social cues, he may speak loudly at the wrong time or place. Others may interpret these symptoms as bad manners or simply rude behavior.
Language and speech problems. Unlike other autism spectrum disorders, a person with Asperger’s syndrome does not usually experience speech delays. But it does have some language features. From the outside, the speech image of a person with Asperger’s syndrome may seem unusual:
Scripted, formal or “robotic” type of conversation
Lack of intonation, voice modulation
Monotony or rhythm , loud speech
Problems using the meaning of words in a social context
Repetition or intrusive speech
A person with Asperger’s usually has a strong vocabulary and good grammar skills, but may be unable to use language correctly in social situations .
Cognitive features. Typically, children and adults with Asperger’s Syndrome have normal to above average intelligence. While some excel academically, others may struggle. Some common cognitive features of people with Asperger’s Syndrome include:
Excellent rote memory
Ability to understand technical or factual information
Problems absorbing abstract information details a tendency to focus on them, which can lead to missing the “big picture”
Independence of thought
Physical symptoms. Adults with Asperger’s syndrome may experience physical symptoms such as:
Awkward movements
Problems with coordination
Sensitivity to loud noises, smells, clothes or food texture
9000 4 They may seem clumsy or awkward. They may have trouble with simple activities such as catching a ball. But some don’t have motor problems.
How to recognize the syndrome?
Usually a child with Asperger’s syndrome begins to experience difficulties already in preschool age – it is difficult for him to follow the rules and instructions, and he differs from other children in facial expressions, movements and speech. In addition, at this age there is a difficulty in the ability to put oneself in the place of another or to assess the consequences of one’s actions. He experiences very great difficulties in establishing contacts, and it is difficult for him to ask for help.
As teenagers with Asperger’s syndrome grow up, they drop out of social life. They do not understand the forms of social communication, and they have little or no common interests with their peers. In addition, they are perfectionists in everything they do, they do everything much more carefully than others, and do not accept criticism. All this all the more does not contribute to socialization and reduces emotional contact.
By adulthood, the characteristics of the syndrome have developed to such a level that people with Asperger’s syndrome often prefer to live alone.
Social communication is still a big problem for them, and any need to move away from the typical behavior pattern is stressful. They also have an increased tendency to immerse themselves in certain subjects or hobbies. Adults find it difficult to express emotions and remain unusual in speech and motor skills. Unlike people with autism, people with Asperger’s can live on their own, with or without an escort.
Does Asperger’s cause aggressive behavior?
Many parents wonder if Asperger’s syndrome is associated with aggressive behavior. The answer does not seem clear.
Several high-profile massacres, including the 2007 Virginia Tech shooting, the 2012 Newtown, Connecticut massacre, and the 2018 Parkland, Florida massacre, were allegedly committed by men with an autism spectrum disorder.
Aggression and violence among people with autism spectrum disorders are reactive, not pre-planned and premeditated. For example, children with autism may resort to violence if they are sick or frustrated or unable to communicate how they feel.
”Aspergers” are rather peaceful people, they are not so much aggressive as naive. And their naivete is easy to use with malicious intent. And this is happening. The syndrome makes Aspergers vulnerable to communication deficits. In life, they often face ridicule or bullying, which can cause a desire for revenge.
Although Asperger’s Syndrome can provoke violent behavior, most studies do not show a specific link between violent crime and autism alone. Some research suggests that other psychiatric comorbidities may explain aggressive behavior in people with autism.
Researchers continue to study this connection and hope to gain more information about the role that Asperger’s syndrome and other mental illnesses play in violent crime.
Sometimes Asperger’s have special talents
Many people with Asperger’s see their symptoms as a gift, they have special talents and abilities. Some of the positive qualities that distinguish people with Asperger’s include:
High IQ
Ability to focus intensely and for a long time on something
Excellent rote memory
Unique special sense of humor
High evaluation of fairness and honesty
There are many adults with this disorder who are successful lawyers, doctors, artists, writers, professors and educators.
Among the famous people in history retrospectively rated as ”Aspergers”: Benjamin Franklin, Napoleon Bonaparte, scientists Albert Einstein and Isaac Newton, artist and inventor Leonardo da Vinci, composer Ludwig van Beethoven, musician Elvis Presley, Microsoft founder Bill Gates.
In fact, some people with Asperger’s are offended by the notion that their symptoms need to be “treated” or “cured.”
Asperger Syndrome: Diagnosis and Care
No two people with Asperger’s Syndrome are the same. The disorder manifests itself in different ways. Some have only minor problems, while others face serious difficulties.
In addition, because Asperger’s syndrome is now classified under the broad diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, some symptoms are no longer recognized as exclusively Asperger’s symptoms, but rather “belong to the spectrum.” This change was included in Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders American Psychiatric Association (DSM-5) in 2013.