Asperger Syndrome Asperger's syndrome is a type of autism. It is characterized by social and communication difficulties and repetitive or restrictive patterns of behavior. Asperger's syndrome is named after Dr. Hans Asperger, an Austrian pediatrician who first described the condition in 1944. Asperger's syndrome (AS) used to be a standalone condition, but in 2013, it was brought under the category of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorder 5 (DSM-5). A person with AS finds it harder to read social signals, and so it is harder for them to communicate and interact with others. These difficulties can lead to anxiety and confusion. People with Asperger's syndrome have normal to above-average intelligence but typically have difficulties with social skills and often have pervasive, absorbing interests in special topics. Treatment Every child is different, so there isn't a one-size-fits-all approach