The British Journal of Psychiatry 152: 377-382 (1988)
© 1988 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Asperger's syndrome and autism: the case for a connection
EP Bowman
Department of Child and Family Psychiatry, Eastern Health Board, Dublin.
There is considerable disagreement on the classification of Asperger's
syndrome and its relationship to autism. Unlike autism, Asperger's is not
usually recognised before 30 months of age, and speech delay is not
typical. However, if a child exhibits all the symptoms of autism apart from
these two features, are these sufficient grounds for withholding a
diagnosis of autism? This paper describes four boys and their father who,
by presenting at various points on the autistic/Asperger spectrum, embody
this dilemma for the diagnostician. The implications for research and
clinical practice are discussed.