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What is the difference between Asperger Syndrome and ASD Level 1?

Arran

A 14 year old has been identified as having suspected AS by a police officer following a long a circuitous route starting with a Prevent referral at his secondary school.

It was reported back to his secondary school but they no longer recognise AS as a condition as they have gone down the DSM-5 ASD route. The school also does not accept that he has ASD - even at Level 1 - as he does not meet either of two criteria:

1. A noticeable speech and language delay - either currently or at any time since starting primary school.

2. Behind academically in the main subjects - English language, maths, science.

His mother stressed to the school that two criteria of AS are:

1. No noticeable speech and language delay.

2. Average or above average academically in the main subjects.

He is of quite high academic ability, most notably in maths, science, computer science, and geography.

What is the difference between Asperger Syndrome and ASD Level 1?

Is a noticeable speech and language delay and being behind academically in the main subjects essential criteria for an ASD Level 1 diagnosis?

Parents

  • To answer your last question first: Is a noticeable speech and language delay and being behind academically in the main subjects essential criteria for an ASD Level 1 diagnosis? - NO. 

    I am 46 years old, female, and received a diagnosis of grade 1 autism two years ago. I never had any speech or language delays (my mum says I started talking at 9 months old and haven't shut up since), I have a markedly above average IQ, I did GCSEs, A levels, a Bachelor's degree and I have been a qualified veterinary surgeon for over 20 years. I defy anyone to say that's "behind academically"!

    Martin's comments are correct, the NHS now uses the DSM-5 criterion hence my diagnosis grade, also nicknamed high functioning autism. It would in previous years have been classed as Aspergers. 

    The boy's school clearly does not know enough about the full spectrum of presentations of autism. However, neither can the school nor a policeman, however well intentioned,  make a diagnosis. The first step must be for the mother to approach the boy's doctor and seek a proper assessment. There are other conditions than autism that can appear very similar but need different handling and treatment.

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  • To answer your last question first: Is a noticeable speech and language delay and being behind academically in the main subjects essential criteria for an ASD Level 1 diagnosis? - NO. 

    I am 46 years old, female, and received a diagnosis of grade 1 autism two years ago. I never had any speech or language delays (my mum says I started talking at 9 months old and haven't shut up since), I have a markedly above average IQ, I did GCSEs, A levels, a Bachelor's degree and I have been a qualified veterinary surgeon for over 20 years. I defy anyone to say that's "behind academically"!

    Martin's comments are correct, the NHS now uses the DSM-5 criterion hence my diagnosis grade, also nicknamed high functioning autism. It would in previous years have been classed as Aspergers. 

    The boy's school clearly does not know enough about the full spectrum of presentations of autism. However, neither can the school nor a policeman, however well intentioned,  make a diagnosis. The first step must be for the mother to approach the boy's doctor and seek a proper assessment. There are other conditions than autism that can appear very similar but need different handling and treatment.

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