Are aspergers and autism the same condition?

Currently, the sole : diagnosis in the DSM-V is Autistic Spectrum Disorder Levels 1,2 & 3. ASD level 1, formerly Asperger Syndrome (AS) has the same underlying deficits in Theory Of Mind, face recognition & joint attention as 2 &3. However, the atypical microscopic structure of brains of children & adults with "AS" & "Autism" varies enough that some researchers feel that they are different disorders. Stay tuned.

A Spectrum: We speak of Autism Spectrum Disorders ASD nowadays. This is like saying that a bone fracture spectrum includes hairline to bone in two pieces - these are REALLY DIFFERENT but they share 'injury to bone." in common. Asperger's was used as those with normal to high IQ, functioning well but challenged socially & bit OCDish. We find it is better to say high functioning level 1 ASD.

AUTISM: Aspergers is no longer a diagnostic category - only Autism Spectrum Disorder.