One of the reasons some people dispute that Aspergers syndrome (AS) is a separate disorder from ASD is that those diagnosed with AS show no a. Insistence on sameness b. Social impairment c. Repetitive behavior d. Language delay
The statement that individuals diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome (AS) show no "social impairment" is not entirely accurate. It is important to note that AS is considered to be on the autism spectrum and falls under the broader diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). However, it is also true that some people dispute whether AS should be considered a separate disorder from ASD. Let's break down the reasons given in the statement and address each one:
a. Insistence on sameness: Individuals with AS do exhibit aspects of insistence on sameness, which is a characteristic found within the autism spectrum. This can include rigid adherence to routines or difficulty accepting change.
b. Social impairment: While some individuals with AS may have better-developed social skills compared to those with other ASD diagnoses, they often still experience social difficulties. These difficulties may include challenges with social interactions, theory of mind, and nonverbal communication.
c. Repetitive behavior: Just like individuals with other forms of ASD, those with AS may also exhibit repetitive behaviors. This can manifest as repetitive movements, fixations on specific topics, or engaging in highly focused interests.
d. Language delay: Compared to other ASD diagnoses, individuals with AS generally do not have a significant language delay. In fact, they may possess above-average language skills and exhibit a precocious vocabulary.
In summary, it is important to recognize that AS is widely considered to be part of the autism spectrum. While individuals with AS may display some distinct features, such as better language skills and less pronounced cognitive delays, they still exhibit social impairments, repetitive behaviors, and insistence on sameness commonly seen in ASD.