Asperger's syndrome refers to a high-functioning form of autism. Although it was once classified as its own condition, Asperger’s is no longer an official distinct diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The behavior ascribed to Asperger’s is now encompassed under the umbrella diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder.
People with high-functioning autism/Asperger's often lack social skills, and they may not be able to understand the perspectives and feelings of others. However, their language and cognitive skills are largely intact.
People with the condition may also engage in specific, repetitive body movements. They often have an orientation toward detail and an interest in systemizing, which can come across as an obsession. Some may show remarkable facility in a narrowly focused and usually non-social area, such as baseball statistics or train schedules.
For more on causes, symptoms, and treatments of Asperger's syndrome, see our Diagnosis Dictionary.