Asperger syndrome isn’t used as a diagnosis any more. What does that mean for me?

How are Asperger syndrome and autism related?

Asperger syndrome used to be a separate diagnosis. The main diagnostic systems now include it within the autism spectrum. So if older books and reports say “Asperger” and newer material says “autism,” they may well be talking about the same thing.

A change of name doesn’t make your past difficulties any less real, and it doesn’t change your abilities overnight. Whether you need help with study, work or daily life still depends on your own situation.

If you want to use an old report to apply for support at school or work, ask whether they’ll accept it and whether they need anything else. Don’t go by what you read online and assume you’ll definitely need a new diagnosis — or that the old report will be accepted everywhere. The organisation itself will tell you what it needs.

Section sources [1]

Can I still say I have Asperger’s?

What you call yourself day to day is up to you. Some people still say Asperger’s, some prefer to say they’re autistic, and some only mention a diagnosis when they have to. When it comes to someone else, ask which word they like rather than choosing for them.

On official forms, follow the form’s instructions and what your report actually says. In conversation, you could add: “My old report says Asperger syndrome — that’s now usually counted as part of the autism spectrum.” You don’t have to tell your whole life story just to explain a word.

Section sources [1]

Does the new name mean things are more serious?

No. “It’s only Asperger’s, so they can manage everything” and “it’s autism now, so they’ll never be independent” are both far too sweeping. A name alone can’t tell you whether someone can cook, hold down a job, or how much support they need when things change.

For parents, it’s more useful to ask specific questions: which steps can your child do on their own, where do they need a reminder, and when does it fall apart? Telling the school and the people assessing your child about that will do more to get the right help than arguing over whether it counts as mild or severe.

Section sources [2]

What can you say to family and friends?

Start with what matters right now: “Last-minute changes of venue are really hard for me. Once it’s fixed, could you send me the address first?” If they ask why, share as much or as little as you like. You don’t have to prove a diagnosis every time you ask for a small favour.

If they still don’t get it, go back to what you actually need to agree: can they let you know in advance, what’s the latest the plan will be settled, and how do you reach each other if a call doesn’t get through? However well you explain the name, you still need to agree on those practical things.