Did Asperger's cases have Asperger disorder? A research note

J Child Psychol Psychiatry. 1997 Feb;38(2):247-51. doi: 10.1111/j.1469-7610.1997.tb02354.x.

Abstract

With publication of the fourth edition of the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-IV), standardized criteria for Asperger Disorder, a putative subtype of Pervasive Developmental Disorder, are now available. This paper examines the four cases Asperger originally presented in his seminal paper (1991/1994), using DSM-IV criteria to determine whether a diagnosis of Autistic or Asperger Disorder is most appropriate. We found that all four cases met DSM-IV criteria for Autistic Disorder, rather than Asperger Disorder. This suggests that the syndrome Asperger originally described may not be captured by present diagnostic criteria. Implications for future research are discussed.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Autistic Disorder / classification
  • Autistic Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Autistic Disorder / psychology
  • Child
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / classification
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / diagnosis*
  • Child Development Disorders, Pervasive / psychology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Language Development Disorders / classification
  • Language Development Disorders / diagnosis
  • Language Development Disorders / psychology
  • Male
  • Psychiatric Status Rating Scales
  • Social Adjustment
  • Stereotyped Behavior
  • Syndrome