The Difference Between Asperger And Autism
One of the most important differences between the two disorders is that Asperger's, often called "high functioning autism," is considered a less severe form of autism. Children with autism usually confront intellectual deficits that can cumber their learning process. In comparison, kids with Asperger's might be doing great in school.
Some people associate Asperger's syndrome with Autistic disorder, but there are essential facts that differentiate the two conditions.
Differences between Autism and Asperger's syndrome
1. Communication difficulties
A significant difference between Autism and Asperger's is that children with autism usually have more pronounced social and communication difficulties as they tend to develop a speech delay.
In contrast, people with Asperger's might develop speech in an appropriate period.
2. Children's attention
Both types of children need more attention, but they have specific particularities, and because kids with Asperger's develop average communication skills, the disorder might be discovered later on.
Autistic children might be easier to recognize because they might not respond when they are called by their name, or they might not satisfy the adult's demands.
3. Lack of interest in others
Moreover, a specific characteristic that kids with autism have and those with Asperger's usually do not is the lack of interest in others manifested by the first category.
Children with Asperger's might be a little socially awkward and interested in others and want to integrate but do not know how to do it.
4. Repetitive behavior
Both disorders imply repetitive behavior, reflected, for example, in the way they play with toys. They would spin the wheels of a car and enjoy watching the wheels rotate; they would organize their crayons the same way or complete a puzzle every time. Although, these might be easier to recognize in a child with autism.
Despite all the differences between Autism and Asperger's Syndrome affecting both social and communication skills, with the proper treatment and therapy, children who suffer from them can learn to focus more, act and play like others, graduate school, and even go to college. Still, it takes time, energy, patience, and work.
Even though children with Autism and Asperger's will learn to develop essential social and communication skills to fit in and interact with others normally, they will always view the universe in their unique way.
Positive aspects
Some interesting positive aspects come with these disorders, such as that people with autism are naturally frank. They are very passionate about their interests, do not judge others, have an impressive memory, especially for details, and are less materialistic.
In light of everything mentioned before, not petals of the same flower are identical, nor are people. Hence, the fact that there are people who are so different from us in the way they speak, act, do things, think, and perceive reality is fantastic. We are so different, and we can always learn something new from each other. We live together and try to understand each other. We can never get bored with the world and its unique individuals.