What is the difference between autism and asperger's syndrome?

Symptom presentation: This distinction, introduced in the early 1990's, arose because some individuals had major delays in social interactions and language, along with odd behaviors (autism), while others had good language but problems with the other two areas (asperger's). Subsequent research has shown that, controling for intelligence, the main difference is language--a circular process. It may be going away soon.

Autism: Asperger syndrome is part of the autism spectrum disorder. The kids are very intelligent but lack social skills. Autistic children lack social and emotionl skills to communicate.

Because the same: Deficits in social understanding underlie all, the term autistic disorder will be used for autism, as & pdd-nos. Resistance to "lumping" the diagnoses stems from the perception that all people with as have high iq's; the current definition of as requires an iq > 70, in the "normal" range, not necessarily avg. Or above. Lack of joint attention & theory of mind cause atypical social skills in all.

Social interest: People with Asperger's disorder can function normally in school and in family life. They differ from autistic individuals since they are interested in having friendships. their problem is a lack of the practical skills to maintain friendships and integrate into social activities.