asperger's syndrome: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Medical, clinical, academic, formal; occasionally used in informal/colloquial contexts but often considered outdated/incorrect.
Quick answer
What does “asperger's syndrome” mean?
A developmental condition primarily characterized by challenges in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A developmental condition primarily characterized by challenges in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.
Historically, a diagnosis on the autism spectrum (now part of Autism Spectrum Disorder in many diagnostic manuals) often associated with average or above-average intelligence and no significant delay in language development, but with distinct social, communicative, and behavioral patterns.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal substantive difference in meaning. Both UK and US clinical practice have moved away from the term following international diagnostic revisions. The spelling 'syndrome' is consistent.
Connotations
In both regions, the term can carry historical connotations linking it to Hans Asperger's contested history. It may be seen as implying a 'milder' or 'high-functioning' form of autism, which many in the autistic community reject as simplistic or inaccurate.
Frequency
Usage frequency is declining in both dialects. It remains somewhat more prevalent in lay discourse than in current clinical practice.
Grammar
How to Use “asperger's syndrome” in a Sentence
[Person] + have/has + Asperger's syndrome[Person] + be + diagnosed with + Asperger's syndromeAsperger's syndrome + be + a conditionVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “asperger's syndrome” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- His Asperger's traits were evident in his focused interests.
- The school provided support for Asperger's pupils.
American English
- Her Asperger's diagnosis was reviewed in adolescence.
- Asperger's characteristics vary widely among individuals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rarely used. Might appear in diversity & inclusion policies discussing neurodiversity.
Academic
Used in historical, psychological, or disability studies contexts, often with caveats about its current diagnostic status.
Everyday
Used, but awareness of its outdated status is growing. Some consider it offensive; 'autistic' is often preferred.
Technical
Largely deprecated in clinical psychology, psychiatry, and neurology. Replaced by 'Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)' with specifiers.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “asperger's syndrome”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “asperger's syndrome”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “asperger's syndrome”
- Mispronouncing as 'As-burger's'.
- Using as a casual label for social awkwardness.
- Treating it as a disease to be cured.
- Omitting the apostrophe and 's' (incorrect: 'Asperger syndrome').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is now considered part of the autism spectrum. Historically it was a separate diagnosis, but major diagnostic manuals (DSM-5, ICD-11) have folded it into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Due to changes in diagnostic criteria that emphasize a single autism spectrum, and due to historical concerns regarding Hans Asperger's activities during WWII.
It can be, depending on context and individual preference. Many autistic people prefer 'autistic' or 'on the autism spectrum'. Always respect an individual's chosen terminology.
In most contexts, 'autism', 'autism spectrum disorder (ASD)', or 'on the autism spectrum' are more accurate and up-to-date. Use specifiers like 'without intellectual impairment' if needed.
A developmental condition primarily characterized by challenges in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.
Asperger's syndrome is usually medical, clinical, academic, formal; occasionally used in informal/colloquial contexts but often considered outdated/incorrect. in register.
Asperger's syndrome: in British English it is pronounced /ˈæspɜːɡəz ˈsɪndrəʊm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈæspɜːrɡərz ˈsɪndroʊm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On the spectrum”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
ASPerger's Syndrome: Associated with Specific Patterns in social interaction.
Conceptual Metaphor
A different operating system for the brain (neurodiversity paradigm).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following statements about 'Asperger's syndrome' is most accurate regarding current professional usage?