What characterizes Asperger's syndrome in relation to ASD?

Asperger's syndrome, which falls under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is characterized by individuals functioning at a higher cognitive level compared to other forms of autism. Unlike some individuals with ASD who may experience significant cognitive and developmental delays, those with Asperger's typically have average or above-average intelligence. They often demonstrate strong verbal skills and may excel in specific areas of knowledge or interest.

Asperger's syndrome is distinguished by the presence of social interaction difficulties and restricted interests, but cognitive functioning remains relatively intact. This higher cognitive functioning can sometimes lead to the development of specialized skills or deep interests in particular subjects, contributing to the unique profiles seen in individuals diagnosed with Asperger's. Additionally, they usually do not exhibit significant speech impairments, which further supports their higher functioning cognitive abilities.