There are realities that went unnoticed for a long time—not because they were unimportant, but because we simply did not know how to look at them with the attention they deserved. Asperger’s syndrome is one of them: a different way of perceiving, processing, and experiencing the world that we understand better today, yet still have much to learn about. That’s why today, February 18, we celebrate International Asperger’s Syndrome Day. We invite you to learn more about it!
The term became widely known through the work of Austrian pediatrician Hans Asperger, who in 1944 described children with average or above-average cognitive and language abilities, but with significant difficulties in social interaction and very specific patterns of interest.
Decades later, the diagnosis was included in clinical manuals and, in 2013, with the publication of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5), it was incorporated into Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since then, it is no longer considered a separate category, but part of a broader spectrum.
Talking about Asperger’s is not talking about a disease. It is a neurodevelopmental condition. This means the brain processes social, sensory, and communicative information in a different way. People with this profile often express themselves in precise, sometimes very formal language, and may interpret the world more literally. Irony, double meanings, or unspoken social rules are not always immediately clear. This is not a lack of interest or empathy; it is simply a different way of decoding what is happening around them.
In everyday life, challenges can arise. Unexpected changes, noisy environments, or very long social situations can generate high levels of stress or exhaustion. Intense and deep interests in specific areas are also common. Far from being negative, these interests can become great strengths when nurtured in environments that value them.
Alongside the challenges, there are also admirable qualities. Many people with Asperger’s stand out for their honesty, consistency, keen attention to detail, and strong ability to concentrate. They are often direct, loyal, and deeply committed to what matters to them. Their logical and analytical thinking brings valuable perspectives to academic, creative, and professional fields.
Diagnosis can happen in childhood, but also during adolescence or adulthood. In many cases—especially among women—difficulties go unnoticed for years due to social adaptation strategies learned over time. Receiving a diagnosis later in life often brings relief: it allows past experiences to be reinterpreted through understanding rather than self-blame.
Socially, stereotypes still persist, simplifying or distorting reality. That is why it is so important to approach the subject with respect and accurate information. Understanding Asperger’s syndrome means recognizing that neurological diversity is part of the human condition. Not all minds work the same way, and that is not a flaw—it is variation.
Creating more inclusive environments does not always require major changes. Sometimes it is enough to communicate clearly, anticipate changes in routine, or show sensitivity to sensory overload. Small gestures can make an enormous difference.
Learning more about Asperger’s syndrome invites us to broaden our perspective. To make space for different ways of thinking, feeling, and relating. And above all, to remember that understanding is always the first step toward a more empathetic and conscious way of living together.
