Asperger syndrome is a developmental disorder in a family of disorders known as autism spectrum disorder, or more commonly simply autism. Asperger syndrome is named after the Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger. Asperger studied four children in his office who showed signs of the disorder that now bears his name. Her findings, although published in 1944, went essentially unnoticed until 1981, when Dr. Lorna Wing published a series of case studies of children showing the same signs as Dr. Asperger's patients, and called it Asperger syndrome. In 1992, Asperger's Syndrome was recognized as a separate and distinct disorder on the autism spectrum. (NINDS, 2011) Asperger syndrome is one of five developmental disabilities that fall into the category otherwise known as Pervasive Developmental Disorders (PDD). In addition to autism, there are Asperger syndrome, Rett syndrome, childhood disintegrative disorder and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS); PDD-NOS is a category for an individual who has some but not all of the features of the disorder. There are subtle differences between each of these five categories of autism. Autism is labeled as a spectrum disorder due to the wide range of symptoms, abilities and levels of impairment of those affected. Patients with Asperger syndrome show characteristics of what some doctors call “high-functioning autism.” In fact, when comparing Asperger syndrome to high-functioning autism, it becomes difficult to accurately distinguish between the two. The question is often asked: what symptoms distinguish Asperger syndrome? Although similar in some respects to other forms of autism, patients with Asperger syndrome exhibit some unique characteristics. from an early age, it can help the child with Asperger's syndrome become a fully functional and independent adult. Many adults with Asperger's are able to successfully hold regular jobs and, with support, can live independent lives. (NINDS, 2011) Works Cited Mayo Clinic. (2011). Bing Health-Asperger Syndrome. Retrieved November 16, 2011, from Bing: www.bing.com/health/article/mayo-MADS00551/Asperger's-syndrome?q=asperger'sMelinda Smith, M.J. (2010, December). Autism spectrum disorders. Retrieved November 16, 2011, from helpguide.org: http://helpguide.org/mental/autism_spectrum.htmNINDS. (2011, November 4). National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Retrieved November 16, 2011, from www.ninds.nih.gov: www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/asperger/detail_asperger.htm