Asperger syndrome

American  

[as-per-ger sin-drohm, -druhm] / ˈæs pər gər ˌsɪn droʊm, -drəm /

noun

Psychiatry.

1. (no longer in clinical use) a developmental disability characterized by repetitive behaviors, differences in understanding social interactions, and often, a narrow set of interests, but not involving delayed development of linguistic and cognitive abilities: formerly contrasted with autism, but now considered to fall under autism spectrum disorder.

---

Etymology

Origin of Asperger syndrome

First recorded in 1970–75; named after Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger (1906–80), who described it in 1944

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Asperger syndrome

Dr Asperger is known for his work in child psychiatry and identifying Asperger syndrome, a form of autism, in 1944 - however the term "autistic psychopathy" was used until 1981.

From BBC ● Jun. 12, 2026

Pankey’s lawyer, Anthony Viorst, told jurors that Pankey, diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, was a “jerk” to his ex-wife and others but was not a murderer.

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 4, 2021

Elon Musk was not, in fact, the first person with Asperger syndrome to host Saturday Night Live.

From Slate ● May 12, 2021

In a separate interview with the Daily Mail, her mother defended her daughter and said was diagnosed with Asperger syndrome as a young girl.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 20, 2020

McIntosh said both have cerebral palsy and her oldest son also has been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome, a form of autism, and needs more support than he gets in public housing.

From Washington Times ● Jan. 7, 2020