Is there a difference with someone that has Asperger's Syndrome and a High Functioning Autistic person?

Question

I'm wondering, because some people say someone that has asperger's is equal to a high functioning autistic person. I have heard others say asperger's is not really in the autism spectrum.

Answer 1

Asperger's is a a part of the autism spectrum characterized by difficulties in social behavior and communication. The main difference is that people with Asperger's do not have a significant problem with language or imaginative play. Because they generally perform better, Asperger's patients are often confused with high functioning autistics. Also, Asperger's is usually not diagnosed in early childhood and can even be diagnosed in adulthood.
Although people with Asperger's may have a advanced abilities in language, spatial skills, music, etc., they may have trouble writing and will often speak in an overly formal manner. People with Asperger's have problems understanding other people's emotions and may be seen as uncaring. They often have very narrow interests or views, failing to see the "big picture." Asperger's can cause problems in social situations such as relationships. Social skills training and counseling can be used to address these problems.