Asperger Syndrome is the disorder most commonly diagnosed in children and adults who have average or above-average intellectual ability. Problems of social interaction are central to the diagnosis, and unusual, rigorously pursued interests are often present. Language ability may be normal, or even very well developed, but there are abnormalities in the more social aspects of language.

Autism ("Classical Autism" or "Kanner Autism") has in the past been associated with learning disability (low intellectual ability), and is accompanied by poor language development. However, some researchers and clinicians consider that Autism may occur in non-learning disabled people ("High-Functioning Autism").

I tend to agree with Professor Digby Tantam, that people with Asperger syndrome have more of a drive to socialize, and that this may be the key difference from classical Autism: it certainly seems to be an important practical issue in helping people with these problems.

Asperger Syndrome and Autism are being diagnosed much more than twenty years ago. Most (perhaps all) of this increase is due to recognition of milder forms of these disorders.

Increased awareness of ASD’s in school settings has helped many children and teenagers. However, many parents feel that awareness and special needs provision is patchy. Also, as most children are not diagnosed by medically-qualified psychiatrists, there may be delayed recognition of other disorders including Tourette’s syndrome, epilepsy, ADD / ADHD, and other mental and physical health problems.

Increasingly, adults of all ages are wondering if problems in relationships or at work may be due to a degree of Asperger Syndrome or Autism: sometimes this is prompted by a younger member of the family being diagnosed. There may have been past treatments involving psychotherapy or medication, with varying degrees of success.

Arriving at a diagnosis, or ruling out a diagnosis, is often very helpful in itself. Past or current treatments can be reviewed, changed, or stopped, depending on the individual circumstances. Some people may want to try psychotherapy or medication for the first time, in the light of the new perspective on their developmental history.