Asperger's syndrome

British  

/ ˈæspɜːɡəz /

noun

1. a form of autism in which the person affected has limited but obsessive interests, and has difficulty relating to other people

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Asperger's syndrome Scientific  

/ ăs′pər-gərz /

1. A developmental disorder characterized by impairment in social interactions and repetitive behavior patterns. It is named after its identifier, Austrian psychiatrist Hans Asperger (1906–1980).

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Etymology

Origin of Asperger's syndrome

C20: after Hans Asperger (20th century), Austrian physician who first described it

Example Sentences

By 1994, the DSM-4 expanded the definition to more social and behavioral traits including repetitive behaviors or intense interests and created categories including Asperger’s syndrome, for milder cases.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025

But the definition was broadened, Professor Happé says, when in the 1990s Asperger's syndrome was added to diagnostic manuals.

From BBC • May 2, 2025

At church, she met someone who was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, a condition that today would be considered autism spectrum disorder.

From Slate • Sep. 29, 2024

Woodward’s prior attorney said his client had Asperger’s syndrome and was torn about his sexuality.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2024

As she got ready for her only child to leave home, Debbie thought about the psychologist who had first diagnosed Sasha with Asperger’s syndrome.

From "The 57 Bus" by Dashka Slater