Autism levels & types

Aspergers vs Autism: Key Differences Explained

Last updated 26 October 2026 · 7 min read · By Sarah M., Support Coordinator

In short

Asperger’s is now part of autism, not a separate diagnosis. In May 2013 the fifth edition of the DSM replaced Autistic Disorder, Asperger’s Disorder and PDD-NOS with a single term, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and some people diagnosed earlier still use the word Asperger’s for themselves.

This guide compares Aspergers vs autism in plain language, explains what changed and shows where support fits for autistic people and their families. For the bigger picture, see our guide to the different levels of autism.

Key points

Asperger’s syndrome is no longer a separate diagnosis, because the DSM-5 (2013) folded it into Autism Spectrum Disorder (Amaze).
Autism is described by support needs in social communication and in repetitive behaviours, special interests or sensory differences, and these can differ and change over time.
Whether you use the word Asperger’s is personal; a person diagnosed earlier is still autistic, and support is based on needs, not the label.
Autism Connect on 1300 308 699 is a free national helpline for questions about autism and next steps.

Asperger’s vs autism: side-by-side comparison

Feature	Asperger’s syndrome	Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
What it is	A former diagnostic name, replaced in the DSM-5	The current diagnostic term that covers the whole autism spectrum
Status today	No longer a separate diagnosis since May 2013	The single diagnosis in the DSM-5
Who it is for	Adults and older people who were diagnosed earlier and may still identify with the word	Children, adolescents and adults of all support needs
Assessment	Not diagnosed as a separate condition now	Assessed by a qualified clinician; your GP can explain how to get an assessment
How support is described	Not applicable, as Asperger’s is no longer diagnosed	Support levels given separately for social communication and for repetitive behaviour, special interests or sensory differences
Cost and funding	Based on support needs, not the label	Assessment costs vary; ask your GP what you may pay
NDIS	The label alone does not decide NDIS support; check with the NDIA	NDIS supports are available only if you meet the NDIS access requirements; check with the NDIA
Typical setting	Some adults still use it as part of their identity	Current diagnostic reports use Autism Spectrum Disorder

Aspergers vs autism at a glance

Short answer	Asperger’s is now part of autism; the difference is mostly about history and language
Where to start	Your GP, who can explain how an autism assessment works
Support levels	Described separately for social communication and for repetitive behaviour, special interests or sensory differences
Helpline	Autism Connect on 1300 308 699, 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday
NDIS	Only if you meet the NDIS access requirements; check with the NDIA

What is Asperger’s syndrome?

Asperger’s syndrome was a diagnosis used before 2013, and the word is still common in everyday conversation.

Before 2013 it sat alongside Autistic Disorder and PDD-NOS as separate diagnoses.
Amaze notes it was replaced by a single diagnostic term in the DSM-5, published in May 2013 (Amaze).
Some people still choose to say Asperger’s; others prefer autistic or on the autism spectrum, and it is fine to ask what someone prefers.

What is autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder is the single diagnostic term used since the DSM-5 in May 2013, covering what were once separate diagnoses.

Diagnosis looks at two areas: social communication, and repetitive behaviour, special interests or sensory differences.
Raising Children Network says support levels are given separately for each area, and a person can have the same or different levels in each (Raising Children Network).
Support levels can change over time, so a level at diagnosis describes needs at that point.
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the diagnostic term; many autistic people use the identity-first word autistic.

Key differences in Aspergers vs autism

Because Asperger’s is now part of autism, the differences are mostly about history and language.

Diagnostic status. Asperger’s was a separate diagnosis before the DSM-5 in May 2013; autism spectrum disorder is the single diagnosis now.
Describing support needs. Older labels grouped people by name; today support is described by level in each area, so two autistic people can need very different help.
Identity. Some people value the word Asperger’s as part of their identity, while newer diagnoses use Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Using the right words. Rather than labels such as “high-functioning”, describe the support a person needs in each area.
Access to services. NDIS supports depend on whether you meet the NDIS access requirements, so check with the NDIA whichever word is on your report.

Looking for NDIS support at home?

TQN Care support workers help with personal care, community access, respite and help around the home across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC). Tell us what you need and we will call you back.

Make a referral →

Is Asperger’s the same as autism?

Yes, in current diagnosis Asperger’s sits within autism. Today, support needs are described by level rather than by the older names.

For example, Autism Association of Australia says people at Level 1 (‘requiring support’) may have difficulties with social interactions and need help with organisation or planning (Autism Association of Australia).
Read about level 1 autism and symptoms of mild autism for what lower support needs can look like.
Compare with severe autism symptoms and PDA autism symptoms to see how varied the spectrum is.
Explore types of autism for the older subtype names.

Aspergers vs autism: which is right for you?

You do not need to choose a label to look for support. Use this table to decide your next step.

Your situation	What to do
You were diagnosed with Asperger’s years ago	Keep your reports, and ask your GP whether an updated assessment would help with work, study or the NDIS
You think you may be autistic as an adult	Book a GP appointment and ask for a referral to a clinician who assesses adults
You are worried about a child’s development	Talk to your GP or paediatrician about your concerns
You want to know about funding	Read our guide to autism funding under the NDIS and check with the NDIA
You also have attention or focus difficulties	Read ADHD vs autism spectrum disorder and ADHD and Asperger’s

The Australian ADHD Guideline found that children and adolescents with autism have a significantly higher risk of ADHD (AADPA). If you have questions about both, raise them with your clinician.

Your next step

Whatever word you use, support starts with understanding your needs. If you or a family member is autistic and wants practical help at home or in the community, TQN Care support workers can help if you have NDIS funding. See our NDIS services and call Autism Connect, a free helpline open 8am to 7pm Monday to Friday, for advice (Amaze).

Sarah M., Support CoordinatorTQN Care is a registered NDIS provider supporting people across Sydney, Melbourne and surrounding areas (NSW & VIC).

Common questions

FAQs about Aspergers vs autism

Is Asperger’s the same as autism? +

In current diagnosis, yes. Asperger’s is now part of Autism Spectrum Disorder following the DSM-5 in May 2013. People diagnosed earlier remain autistic, and some still use the word. Support depends on individual needs rather than which name appears on a report.

Is Asperger’s high-functioning autism? +

No. “High-functioning” is not a diagnosis, and Asperger’s is now part of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Labels like this can hide the support someone needs. Support levels are described separately for social communication and for repetitive behaviour, special interests or sensory differences.

Is there an autism vs Asperger’s smile? +

There is no facial feature, including a smile, that tells Asperger’s from autism or confirms either. Autistic people express emotion in many ways. Autism is identified through a proper assessment by a qualified clinician, not by appearance, and your GP can explain how to arrange one.

Are there famous people with autism or Asperger’s syndrome? +

Many public figures have spoken about being autistic, but a diagnosis is private health information, so we do not list names. For questions about autism, call Autism Connect, a free national helpline, on 1300 308 699.