what's the difference between high functioning autism and aspergers?

Answer 1

High Functioning Autism (HFA) is not a clearly defined diagnosis. Rather, it is a label given when someone meets (or met as a child) the diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder but is able to speak and has an average or above average IQ. The primary distinction between High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome is early development - primarily of language. High Functioning Autistics are often mis-labelled with Asperger Syndrome if speech is adequate at the time of assessment.
Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a type of high functioning autistic spectrum disorder in which there is no clinically significant delay in language and an IQ of at least average (often higher). Although people with AS learn to speak at or near the usual age, they usually have an odd style of speech and difficulties with nonverbal communication. Many people with Asperger Syndrome have fine and/or gross motor skills delays although this is not necessary for a diagnosis. People with AS also frequently have difficulties with math and with organizational skills.

Good source links below for lots of information.

Answer 2

A child with Asperger's has experienced no language delays. Their speech may be odd & unique, but it is fully functioning at the appropriate times.

But a child can be autistic & experience severe language delays, not speaking until 4 or so. Then, through much work, the child may learn to communicate, either verbally, or with a speech device. If this person learns to cope & functioning in the "normal" world, he will be considered "high-functioning."

Albert Einstein is suspected of being autistic. He would not have been classified as "Aspergers" because he did not start talking until he was 4 years old. For the next 6 years he would repeat what others said before he could manage to reply much like echolalia. He did not speek fluently until he was 10 years old.

Answer 3

Here are some differences between Aspergers and HFA(High Functioning Autism) :


In our near future:
Autism vs Aspergers will probably hinge on Asperger having these traits:

asperger will be:

early and prolific reader
pass for normal at first glance
calm, unobtrusive
fluently talkative on favorite subject
few, if any, immediately noticeable perseverations
prefer adult company, not peers
academically inclined
(but with weaknesses in handwriting, spelling, probably math)
social (with limited social skills)
self-starter on personal, worthwhile projects
appreciation of and delving in the arts



High functioning autism (HFA) will be:
none of the above

Answer 4

Apparently, out of an epidemiologal paper I have from France(2005), there is no biochemically significantly statistical correlation between Asbergers Syndrome and ASD.As a matter of fact, this group is used as an additional internal group relative to outside control groups.Further, it remains an open question as to whether the Aspergers group remains appropriately within the DSM-IV criterion for Austistic Spectral Disorder syndromes!I could send you this paper if You want as well as many others.My email address is:
[e-mail]

regards
steve