Which statement best differentiates Asperger Syndrome from Autism?

Which statement best differentiates Asperger Syndrome from Autism?

• A. Asperger's includes significant language delay.
• B. Asperger's is caused by early injury.
• C. Autism has above-average intelligence.
• D. Language and intellectual development are not delayed in Asperger's.

Answer: (D)

The main idea here is how Asperger’s differs from autism in terms of development, especially language and thinking skills. Historically, Asperger’s was described as having normal language development and typical or above-average intelligence, with difficulties mainly in social interaction and restricted interests. So the best statement reflects that pattern: language and intellectual development do not show delays in Asperger’s, even though social communication can be challenging. Why this is the best fit: it captures the crucial distinguishing feature that sets Asperger’s apart from forms of autism where language delay or cognitive development problems are more apparent early on. In Asperger’s, you’d expect someone to learn to speak and reason at roughly the same pace as peers, but struggle more with social cues, conversation, and flexible thinking. Why the other ideas aren’t correct: language delay is not typical of Asperger’s, so that claim is inaccurate. Suggesting a cause like early injury isn’t how Asperger’s is defined. And saying autism has above-average intelligence incorrectly implies a consistent contrast; intelligence in autism varies widely and isn’t a defining differentiator. (Note: in current practice, these conditions are grouped under Autism Spectrum Disorder, but the historical difference centers on normal language and cognitive development in Asperger’s.)

The main idea here is how Asperger’s differs from autism in terms of development, especially language and thinking skills. Historically, Asperger’s was described as having normal language development and typical or above-average intelligence, with difficulties mainly in social interaction and restricted interests. So the best statement reflects that pattern: language and intellectual development do not show delays in Asperger’s, even though social communication can be challenging.

Why this is the best fit: it captures the crucial distinguishing feature that sets Asperger’s apart from forms of autism where language delay or cognitive development problems are more apparent early on. In Asperger’s, you’d expect someone to learn to speak and reason at roughly the same pace as peers, but struggle more with social cues, conversation, and flexible thinking.

Why the other ideas aren’t correct: language delay is not typical of Asperger’s, so that claim is inaccurate. Suggesting a cause like early injury isn’t how Asperger’s is defined. And saying autism has above-average intelligence incorrectly implies a consistent contrast; intelligence in autism varies widely and isn’t a defining differentiator. (Note: in current practice, these conditions are grouped under Autism Spectrum Disorder, but the historical difference centers on normal language and cognitive development in Asperger’s.)