Asperger syndrome: can the disorder be diagnosed in the adult age?

INTRODUCTION

Asperger Syndrome (AS) is characterized by a qualitative disorder of social interaction, a pattern of restrictive, repetitive and stereotyped behavior, interests and activities, with normal intellectual capacity and normal language skills in the areas of grammar and vocabulary. Since its inclusion in international taxonomies, there has been much controversy regarding its nosological validity.

CLINICAL CASE: A patient with a diagnosis of AS in adulthood is described. Results from the psychopathological, personality and cognitive functioning assessment are included.

CONCLUSIONS

Asperger Syndrome can also be diagnosed in adulthood and should be suspected whenever retrospective information and clinical assessment point to this diagnosis.