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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
08:31
Conscious and Non-conscious Representations of Emotional Faces in Asperger's Syndrome
Published on: July 31, 2016
[Asperger syndrome: evolution of the concept and current clinical data]
1Service de médecine psychologique pour enfants et adolescents Peyre Plantade, CHU de Montpellier, 291, avenue du Doyen-Gaston-Giraud, 34295 Montpellier cedex 5, France. c-aussilloux@chu-montpellier.fr
Revue Neurologique
|June 17, 2008
Summary
The distinction between Asperger syndrome and high-functioning autism is debated, with current research finding no clear clinical or biological differences. Despite this, isolating Asperger syndrome aids in targeted assessment and therapy for pervasive developmental disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neurodevelopmental disorders
- Psychiatry
- Clinical psychology
Context:
- Asperger syndrome is classified internationally as a pervasive developmental disorder (PDD).
- Its distinctness from autistic disorders is a subject of ongoing debate.
- Hans Asperger's original description predates current diagnostic criteria.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the validity of Asperger syndrome as a distinct diagnostic entity.
- To compare Asperger syndrome with high-functioning autism based on clinical and research findings.
- To explore the clinical utility of differentiating Asperger syndrome despite diagnostic ambiguity.
Summary:
- International classifications distinguish Asperger syndrome from autism based on specific criteria like onset, speech, motor skills, and outcome.
- Current studies and the absence of biological markers fail to support a clear differentiation.
- No clinical, neuropsychological, or epidemiological criteria reliably distinguish Asperger syndrome from high-functioning autism.
Impact:
- Highlights the lack of empirical evidence for current diagnostic distinctions.
- Underscores the clinical relevance of considering Asperger syndrome for tailored interventions.
- Suggests a need for revised diagnostic approaches in pervasive developmental disorders.
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