Reviewed by the Ridge RTC Clinical Team  

Is Asperger’s still a term that is used? Not so much, and here’s why: 

You may still hear the term “Asperger’s” in everyday conversation, but in the clinical world, it’s no longer an official diagnosis. For many years, “Asperger’s syndrome” referred to a profile on the autism spectrum characterized by strong verbal skills, average to above-average intelligence, and differences in social communication. But since 2013, it has no longer been an official diagnosis. Instead, it’s been brought under the broader term autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

In most cases today, children and teens are assessed directly under the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) framework. So, unless your child was diagnosed more than a decade ago, “Asperger’s” won’t appear in their paperwork. Still, because the term is widely recognized and often used informally, it’s worth knowing what it means and why it’s no longer part of official diagnoses.

Table of Contents: 

• What is Asperger’s Syndrome?
• Moving Away from the Term “Asperger’s” 
• What Does This Mean for Diagnosis?
• Embracing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Today
• How Parents Can Support Their Teens and Young Adults
• Moving Forward with Inclusive Support

What is Asperger’s Syndrome?

Under older diagnostic guidelines, Asperger’s was differentiated from other autism diagnoses by the absence of significant language delays or intellectual disabilities. It described people who often excelled in specific subjects, had deep knowledge in their areas of interest, and communicated using rich vocabulary, but who still found social interaction, reading body language, or navigating unspoken social rules challenging.

Many people diagnosed before 2013, however, still feel the term captures their personal experience more clearly than the broader label “autism spectrum disorder.” Today, professionals no longer use it in clinical settings.

Moving Away from the Term “Asperger’s” 

The change came with the publication of the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) in 2013. Asperger’s, autistic disorder, and pervasive developmental disorder–not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) were combined into a single diagnosis: autism spectrum disorder.

This decision was based on several factors:

• Overlap in symptoms: Research showed it was difficult to reliably separate Asperger’s from other autism profiles.
• Understanding autism as a spectrum: Autism varies widely in presentation and support needs, even within the same individual over time.
• Reducing confusion and stigma: Using one umbrella term encourages inclusion rather than creating hierarchies within autism.
• Historical concerns: Hans Asperger, the Austrian pediatrician the condition was named after, has a controversial history, including documented ties to Nazi programs during World War II.

In the ASD framework, what was once called Asperger’s typically falls under Level 1 autism, meaning the person requires some support, but may be largely independent in daily life.

What Does This Mean for Diagnosis?

If your teen or young adult was diagnosed with Asperger’s before 2013, that diagnosis is still valid as it reflects the language and criteria used at the time. For most families seeking evaluations now, however, the term won’t come up in a formal report. Instead, your child’s results will fall somewhere within the autism spectrum disorder model, which is designed to better capture the range of presentations and support needs. 

Embracing Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Today

Viewing autism as a spectrum encourages a more inclusive picture of the many ways it can present. ASD covers a wide range of abilities and challenges, from those requiring significant daily support to those who are largely independent.

For some, parting with the term “Asperger’s” can feel like letting go of an identity that helped make sense of their experiences. For others, joining the broader ASD community feels more accurate and empowering. Whatever term someone chooses for themselves, the priority is that they receive understanding, respect, and access to the tools they need to succeed.

How Parents Can Support Their Teens and Young Adults

There are practical ways to offer support even before your teen has a formal ASD diagnosis:

• Look into updated assessments if needed, to understand current needs and strengths under the ASD framework.
• Advocate for individualized education and support plans focused on functional skills and emotional well-being.
• Encourage open conversations about identity, allowing young people to use whichever terminology (Asperger’s or ASD) feels most comfortable to them.
• Connect with autism support groups and resources to access community, guidance, and updated information.
• Recognize the importance of neurodiversity and promote acceptance and self-advocacy for your child.

Moving Forward with Inclusive Support

“Asperger’s” may no longer be an official diagnosis, but the qualities and challenges it once described are still very real for many teens and their families. Becoming familiar with the change to autism spectrum disorder can help clear up confusion, reduce stigma, and ensure that support focuses on the individual rather than a label.

Appreciating these nuances is also a crucial step toward offering care that reflects the whole person and not just a diagnosis. At The Ridge RTC, we see neurodiversity as one aspect of a teen’s overall mental and emotional well-being. Our programs make sure to address the full picture while providing a supportive environment for teens facing complex mental health challenges. If you have questions about your teen’s needs or want guidance on next steps, our team is here to help.The Ridge RTC is staffed by board-certified psychiatrists, licensed medical professionals, and experienced therapists specializing in adolescent care. Learn more about our team’s expertise on the Team page.