Short answer · Medically reviewed summary · Last updated: 2026-04-06
Asperger Syndrome was first described in 1944 by Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger, who identified a group of children exhibiting specific social challenges and intense, narrow interests, which he termed "autistic psychopathy." The Evolution of a Diagnosis While Hans Asperger published his observations during World War II, his work remained largely unknown to the English-speaking world until 1981, when British psychiatrist Lorna Wing published her seminal paper. Wing introduced the term Asperger Syndrome to the global medical community, effectively bridging the gap between historical observations and modern clinical practice.
4 people with Asperger Syndrome have shared their first-person experience on this question at DiseaseMaps.
What is the history of Asperger Syndrome?
History of Asperger Syndrome: when and how it was discovered, and the milestones in research since, medically reviewed.
Asperger Syndrome was first described in 1944 by Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger, who identified a group of children exhibiting specific social challenges and intense, narrow interests, which he termed "autistic psychopathy."
The Evolution of a Diagnosis
While Hans Asperger published his observations during World War II, his work remained largely unknown to the English-speaking world until 1981, when British psychiatrist Lorna Wing published her seminal paper. Wing introduced the term Asperger Syndrome to the global medical community, effectively bridging the gap between historical observations and modern clinical practice. Her work helped define the condition as a distinct profile within the broader autism spectrum.
From Misconception to Modern Understanding
Historically, individuals with Asperger Syndrome were often misdiagnosed with personality disorders, schizophrenia, or behavioral issues. For decades, the medical community mistakenly viewed these individuals as lacking empathy or social desire. We now understand that the condition is not a social deficit, but rather a different neurological way of processing information and social cues. The shift from seeing it as a "disorder" to a neurodivergent identity has been driven by vocal patient advocacy groups who have challenged outdated, deficit-based models.
Genetic and Diagnostic Milestones
The understanding of Asperger Syndrome underwent a major shift in 2013 with the release of the DSM-5, which folded the diagnosis into the unified category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). While the diagnostic label has evolved, our grasp of the condition has been deepened by modern genetics. Clinical geneticists have identified that Asperger Syndrome is highly heritable, often involving complex polygenic variations rather than a single gene mutation. Contemporary research now utilizes neuroimaging and genomic sequencing to better understand the biological underpinnings of the unique cognitive profiles associated with Asperger Syndrome, moving away from subjective behavioral checklists toward more objective, science-based support systems.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.
References
- NIH Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center (GARD)
- Orphanet: The portal for rare diseases and orphan drugs
- Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM)
- Autism Society of America
Copy and follow the link
Posted May 18, 2017 by Sarah Jane 5070
It was discovered due to a group of children with disturbances in social behaviour, in language and in certain cognitive skills.
His studies were published only in German language, because it is not until 1983 that Lorna Wing shown to the scientific world
Posted Jul 22, 2017 by Jhoanna 2000
Each of the 18 of February is celebrated the International Day of the Syndrome of Asperger's.
Posted Sep 1, 2017 by Montserrat Manresa Boixet 2050
Posted Oct 27, 2017 by Sandra 2900
