There is a lot of confusion when it comes to the differences between Asperger's and autism. It seems that even medical professionals have a difficult time determining a clear line between the two conditions. Often it comes down to simply classifying people according to the specific traits they exhibit, such as the way they use language. However, there are some people who claim that Asperger's and autism are actually the same condition and that both should fall under the heading of autism.
Understanding Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD) is important when trying to determine the differences (or lack thereof) between Asperger's and autism. PDDs are neurobiolocal disorders that include a wide spectrum of conditions, including Asperger's and autism. PDDSs are marked by severely delayed or significantly lacking social and language skills. A person with a PDD will generally have trouble communicating with others and understanding language. Often times, people with these conditions ignore or do not understand facial expressions, and they may not make eye contact as most people expect in social situations.
Autism is the best known of the conditions classified as PDD. Autistic people look like everyone else. Their behavior is different, and they seem withdrawn and often resistant to change. They tend to throw tantrums, jerk, flap, or move their bodies strangely and laugh or cry for what seems wrong.
People with autism can play in a way that is considered strange and exhibit obsessive attachments to certain objects. They may act deaf, ignore verbal cues, repeat certain words over and over, or be completely non-verbal. In those who are verbal, a lack of ability to initiate a conversation is often evident.
Asperger syndrome is often considered on the autism spectrum. A person with Asperger's may exhibit strange or abnormal verbal communication skills. You can also avoid relationships with peers, lack of interest in others, not return emotional feelings, form obsessive bonds with subjects of interest, and have repetitive behaviors. May exhibit repetitive movements, such as flapping or twisting. Interestingly, people with Asperger's do not generally experience delays in language or cognitive development, and are often very curious about their surroundings.
It is important to note that not all people with Asperger's and autism lack the ability to function normally. Some are considered highly functional and are capable of taking care of themselves and interacting socially. However, these people are generally considered strange or eccentric because they still have behaviors that do not fit with what most people consider normal.
Since Asperger's and autism are considered so similar, some people draw a line between the two in language development and social awareness. It appears that people with Asperger Syndrome generally have more normal language development, although many still have disordered language and communication disorders. People with Asperger's also tend to be more interested and aware of social interactions than those with autism. However, social skills must be taught and even practiced, as they are generally not natural for people with this syndrome.