Autism and Asperger's syndrome are both autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and pervasive developmental disorders. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) states that Asperger's patients are higher functioning than autism patients, as Asperger's syndrome is a mild ASD and does not have as many developmental problems. However, Asperger's syndrome and autism share many of the same symptoms, such as problems in social settings. The differences between these disorders are noticeable: Patients have varying motor skills, cognitive development and communication skills.
Motor Abilities
One major difference between autism and Asperger's syndrome is the patient's level of mobility and development of motor skills. The Mayo Clinic states that patients with Asperger's syndrome have problems moving and appear clumsy; this awkward movement is accompanied by poor coordination. The patients may also have a rigid gait or problems with their posture. Autism patients do not have these mobility problems; instead, they move constantly and perform repetitive movements.
Cognitive Development
Autism patients and Asperger's syndrome patients also have a difference in cognitive development. Patients with Asperger's syndrome do not have any delays in their cognitive development; the NIH notes many have above-average intelligence. Autism patients have a delay in language skills and do not reach developmental milestones at the normal age. For example, an autistic child will not babble by age 1 or will lose previously acquired language skills.
Nonverbal Communication
Nonverbal communication skills also differ in the two disorders. Asperger's syndrome patients have severe difficulties with nonverbal communication. They have problems with facial expressions, gestures, body postures and eye contact. Autism patients, on the other hand, rely on gestures to communicate, choosing to use them over spoken words. Autism patients, however, also have poor eye contact when speaking to people. Both autism patients and Asperger's syndrome patients have problems with verbal communication, especially in social situations.
