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.

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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

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

The 13-year-old, who has Asperger syndrome, became increasingly withdrawn, his mother Gayle said.

From BBC • Aug. 6, 2019

Autism spectrum disorders include autism, Asperger syndrome and other developmental disorders whose symptoms range from mild to severe.

From Washington Times • Feb. 7, 2019