Asperger's Disorder vs. Social Anxiety Disorder: What Are the Differences?

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsSymptomsCausesDiagnosisTreatmentPrevention

Table of ContentsView All

View All

Table of Contents

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Asperger’s disorder, also known as Asperger’s syndrome, is a pervasive developmental disorder that involves impairment in certain basic aspects of communication and relationships.Though Asperger’s was originally a standalone diagnosis, theDSM-5has retired it and now uses the diagnosis ofautism spectrum disorder(ASD) instead.

Although people with both ASD andsocial anxiety disorder(SAD) experience difficulty in social situations, they are completely different disorders; the diagnostic criteria and symptoms of the disorders are very different.

Asperger’s disorder, now known as autism spectrum disorder, does not require the presence of anxiety. Behavior in social situations is instead impaired because of trouble reading and understanding social and emotional cues.

AutismMisunderstand social signalsHave trouble taking hints or understanding humorHave trouble interpreting nonverbal signalsTrouble understanding and expressing emotionsDifficulty adjusting to routine changesTrouble taking and understanding others' perspectivesSocial AnxietyAnxiety in social situationsPhysical symptoms of fear such as blushing, sweating, tremblingHigh levels of self-consciousnessFear of being judgedAvoidance of social situationsAlways expecting the worst in social situations

Misunderstand social signals

Have trouble taking hints or understanding humor

Have trouble interpreting nonverbal signals

Trouble understanding and expressing emotions

Difficulty adjusting to routine changes

Trouble taking and understanding others' perspectives

Social AnxietyAnxiety in social situationsPhysical symptoms of fear such as blushing, sweating, tremblingHigh levels of self-consciousnessFear of being judgedAvoidance of social situationsAlways expecting the worst in social situations

Anxiety in social situations

Physical symptoms of fear such as blushing, sweating, trembling

High levels of self-consciousness

Fear of being judged

Avoidance of social situations

Always expecting the worst in social situations

The exact causes of ASD and social anxiety disorder are not entirely clear, but researchers believe that several factors are involved.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

There is no single cause of autism spectrum disorder. Studies suggest that autism is hereditary. Research has also shown that people who are described as having Asperger’s, also sometimes called ‘high-functioning autism,’ are even more likely to have family members with behavioral characteristics of autism.

Environmental variables, such as medical conditions, exposure to certain chemicals during the prenatal period, and premature birth, have also been linked to Asperger’s and autism.However, more research is needed to clarify these connections.

Research on Brain FunctionNeuroimaging research may shed some light on how the brains of people with SAD and ASD differ. Studies of brain function show that for most people, the amygdala—the emotion center of the brain—is activated when understanding facial expressions.For those with ASD, the prefrontal cortex—the center for judgment and planning—becomes active when processing facial images.This means that people with ASD try to logically figure out the meaning of a facial expression rather than experiencing an automatic emotional reaction. Studies have also shown heightened sensitivity of the amygdala in those with SAD;this makes it even more clear that the two disorders are very different.

Research on Brain Function

Neuroimaging research may shed some light on how the brains of people with SAD and ASD differ. Studies of brain function show that for most people, the amygdala—the emotion center of the brain—is activated when understanding facial expressions.For those with ASD, the prefrontal cortex—the center for judgment and planning—becomes active when processing facial images.This means that people with ASD try to logically figure out the meaning of a facial expression rather than experiencing an automatic emotional reaction. Studies have also shown heightened sensitivity of the amygdala in those with SAD;this makes it even more clear that the two disorders are very different.

This means that people with ASD try to logically figure out the meaning of a facial expression rather than experiencing an automatic emotional reaction. Studies have also shown heightened sensitivity of the amygdala in those with SAD;this makes it even more clear that the two disorders are very different.

In order to diagnose ASD or social anxiety disorder, a doctor will evaluate the symptoms and behaviors that you or your child are experiencing. They may ask questions or utilize screening assessments. They may also perform a physical exam and conduct lab tests to rule out other conditions.

ASD is usually diagnosed in childhood. If your child has been diagnosed with this disorder, they might:

Due to changes in how the condition is classified, people who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger’s are now diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder.

Social anxiety disorder is often diagnosed in childhood, but the condition affects people of all ages. To be diagnosed with the condition, a person must:

While Asperger’s disorder and social anxiety share some similarities, the treatments for autism and social anxiety disorder differ.

Asperger’s or autism is a form ofneurodivergence. When a person is neurodivergent, it means that their brain learns and processes differently than people who are considered neurotypical.

Interventions usually focus on helping people manage behaviors and develop skills that help them function more effectively in different environments.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach, so what works best often depends on an individual’s characteristics and needs. The goal is to help people build skills and develop their strengths.

Treatments for social anxiety, however, are focused on helping people change the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to feelings of fear.Cognitive-behavior therapy(CBT) can be highly effective, particularly when it incorporates specific strategies such as desensitization andexposure therapy.

Research has found that it is common for children and adults diagnosed with ASD to also experience social anxiety.This means that it is possible for a child to have both ASD and SAD. Whether or not a child has one disorder or both,social skills trainingis one form of treatment that may offer promise for both SAD and ASD.

Although the cause of social impairment in ASD and SAD differs, many of the same symptoms are present in both disorders. If you have ASD or SAD, you likely have a host of social skills deficits, such as problems with:

Social skills training has been shown effective in treating social anxiety symptoms and may also offer promise for those with ASD in terms of developing basic skills for interacting socially.

Because the exact causes of Asperger’s disorder is not known, there is no way to prevent it. Similarly, there is no sure-fire way to prevent social anxiety, but people can take steps to address the condition when symptoms first emerge. Early treatment for social anxiety can prevent symptoms from worsening and causing more significant life disruptions.

Summary

SAD and ASD are separate problems that show some overlap and may share some treatments. Once you’ve identified your specific issues, treatment can be devised to help you overcome your difficulties in social situations.

A Word From Verywell

Whether you have a child who is showing signs of anxiety or trouble with social situations, or you are struggling yourself, it is important to consult a doctor to learn the meaning of your particular array of symptoms.

The Relationship Between Asperger’s and Depression

10 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Faras H, Al Ateeqi N, Tidmarsh L.Autism spectrum disorders.Ann Saudi Med. 2010;30(4):295–300. doi:10.4103/0256-4947.65261National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.Faridi F, Khosrowabadi R.Behavioral, cognitive and neural markers of Asperger syndrome.Basic Clin Neurosci. 2017;8(5):349–359. doi:10.18869/nirp.bcn.8.5.349Xie S, Karlsson H, Dalman C, Widman L, Rai D, Gardner RM, Magnusson C, Sandin S, Tabb LP, Newschaffer CJ, Lee BK.The familial risk of autism spectrum disorder with and without intellectual disability.Autism Res. 2020;13(12):2242-2250. doi:10.1002/aur.2417Masini E, Loi E, Vega-Benedetti AF, Carta M, Doneddu G, Fadda R, Zavattari P.An overview of the main genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors involved in autism spectrum disorder focusing on synaptic activity.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(21):8290. doi: 10.3390/ijms21218290Todorov A.The role of the amygdala in face perception and evaluation.Motiv Emot. 2012;36(1):16–26. doi:10.1007/s11031-011-9238-5Bas-Hoogendam JM, van Steenbergen H, van der Wee NJA, Westenberg PM.Amygdala hyperreactivity to faces conditioned with a social-evaluative meaning- a multiplex, multigenerational fMRI study on social anxiety endophenotypes.Neuroimage Clin. 2020;26:102247. doi:10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102247American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Maddox B, White S.Comorbid social anxiety disorder in adults with autism spectrum disorder.J Autism Developm Disord. 2015;45:3949-60. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2531-5Langdon PE, Murphy GH, Wilson E, et al.Asperger syndrome and anxiety disorders (PAsSA) treatment trial: a study protocol of a pilot, multicentre, single-blind, randomised crossover trial of group cognitive behavioural therapy.BMJ Open. 2013;3(7):e003449. Published 2013 Jul 30. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003449Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses, 5th edition. 2013.

10 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Faras H, Al Ateeqi N, Tidmarsh L.Autism spectrum disorders.Ann Saudi Med. 2010;30(4):295–300. doi:10.4103/0256-4947.65261National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.Faridi F, Khosrowabadi R.Behavioral, cognitive and neural markers of Asperger syndrome.Basic Clin Neurosci. 2017;8(5):349–359. doi:10.18869/nirp.bcn.8.5.349Xie S, Karlsson H, Dalman C, Widman L, Rai D, Gardner RM, Magnusson C, Sandin S, Tabb LP, Newschaffer CJ, Lee BK.The familial risk of autism spectrum disorder with and without intellectual disability.Autism Res. 2020;13(12):2242-2250. doi:10.1002/aur.2417Masini E, Loi E, Vega-Benedetti AF, Carta M, Doneddu G, Fadda R, Zavattari P.An overview of the main genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors involved in autism spectrum disorder focusing on synaptic activity.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(21):8290. doi: 10.3390/ijms21218290Todorov A.The role of the amygdala in face perception and evaluation.Motiv Emot. 2012;36(1):16–26. doi:10.1007/s11031-011-9238-5Bas-Hoogendam JM, van Steenbergen H, van der Wee NJA, Westenberg PM.Amygdala hyperreactivity to faces conditioned with a social-evaluative meaning- a multiplex, multigenerational fMRI study on social anxiety endophenotypes.Neuroimage Clin. 2020;26:102247. doi:10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102247American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Maddox B, White S.Comorbid social anxiety disorder in adults with autism spectrum disorder.J Autism Developm Disord. 2015;45:3949-60. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2531-5Langdon PE, Murphy GH, Wilson E, et al.Asperger syndrome and anxiety disorders (PAsSA) treatment trial: a study protocol of a pilot, multicentre, single-blind, randomised crossover trial of group cognitive behavioural therapy.BMJ Open. 2013;3(7):e003449. Published 2013 Jul 30. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003449Additional ReadingAmerican Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses, 5th edition. 2013.

Faras H, Al Ateeqi N, Tidmarsh L.Autism spectrum disorders.Ann Saudi Med. 2010;30(4):295–300. doi:10.4103/0256-4947.65261National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.Faridi F, Khosrowabadi R.Behavioral, cognitive and neural markers of Asperger syndrome.Basic Clin Neurosci. 2017;8(5):349–359. doi:10.18869/nirp.bcn.8.5.349Xie S, Karlsson H, Dalman C, Widman L, Rai D, Gardner RM, Magnusson C, Sandin S, Tabb LP, Newschaffer CJ, Lee BK.The familial risk of autism spectrum disorder with and without intellectual disability.Autism Res. 2020;13(12):2242-2250. doi:10.1002/aur.2417Masini E, Loi E, Vega-Benedetti AF, Carta M, Doneddu G, Fadda R, Zavattari P.An overview of the main genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors involved in autism spectrum disorder focusing on synaptic activity.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(21):8290. doi: 10.3390/ijms21218290Todorov A.The role of the amygdala in face perception and evaluation.Motiv Emot. 2012;36(1):16–26. doi:10.1007/s11031-011-9238-5Bas-Hoogendam JM, van Steenbergen H, van der Wee NJA, Westenberg PM.Amygdala hyperreactivity to faces conditioned with a social-evaluative meaning- a multiplex, multigenerational fMRI study on social anxiety endophenotypes.Neuroimage Clin. 2020;26:102247. doi:10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102247American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.Maddox B, White S.Comorbid social anxiety disorder in adults with autism spectrum disorder.J Autism Developm Disord. 2015;45:3949-60. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2531-5Langdon PE, Murphy GH, Wilson E, et al.Asperger syndrome and anxiety disorders (PAsSA) treatment trial: a study protocol of a pilot, multicentre, single-blind, randomised crossover trial of group cognitive behavioural therapy.BMJ Open. 2013;3(7):e003449. Published 2013 Jul 30. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003449

Faras H, Al Ateeqi N, Tidmarsh L.Autism spectrum disorders.Ann Saudi Med. 2010;30(4):295–300. doi:10.4103/0256-4947.65261

National Institute of Mental Health.Social anxiety disorder: more than just shyness.

Faridi F, Khosrowabadi R.Behavioral, cognitive and neural markers of Asperger syndrome.Basic Clin Neurosci. 2017;8(5):349–359. doi:10.18869/nirp.bcn.8.5.349

Xie S, Karlsson H, Dalman C, Widman L, Rai D, Gardner RM, Magnusson C, Sandin S, Tabb LP, Newschaffer CJ, Lee BK.The familial risk of autism spectrum disorder with and without intellectual disability.Autism Res. 2020;13(12):2242-2250. doi:10.1002/aur.2417

Masini E, Loi E, Vega-Benedetti AF, Carta M, Doneddu G, Fadda R, Zavattari P.An overview of the main genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors involved in autism spectrum disorder focusing on synaptic activity.Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(21):8290. doi: 10.3390/ijms21218290

Todorov A.The role of the amygdala in face perception and evaluation.Motiv Emot. 2012;36(1):16–26. doi:10.1007/s11031-011-9238-5

Bas-Hoogendam JM, van Steenbergen H, van der Wee NJA, Westenberg PM.Amygdala hyperreactivity to faces conditioned with a social-evaluative meaning- a multiplex, multigenerational fMRI study on social anxiety endophenotypes.Neuroimage Clin. 2020;26:102247. doi:10.1016/j.nicl.2020.102247

American Psychiatric Association (APA).Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. 5th ed, text revision. Washington, D.C.; 2022.

Maddox B, White S.Comorbid social anxiety disorder in adults with autism spectrum disorder.J Autism Developm Disord. 2015;45:3949-60. doi:10.1007/s10803-015-2531-5

Langdon PE, Murphy GH, Wilson E, et al.Asperger syndrome and anxiety disorders (PAsSA) treatment trial: a study protocol of a pilot, multicentre, single-blind, randomised crossover trial of group cognitive behavioural therapy.BMJ Open. 2013;3(7):e003449. Published 2013 Jul 30. doi:10.1136/bmjopen-2013-003449

American Psychiatric Association.Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Illnesses, 5th edition. 2013.

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Autism Spectrum Disorder#

Social Anxiety Disorder#

Research on Brain Function#

Co-Occurring Asperger’s and Social Anxiety#

Summary#

A Word From Verywell#

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder

Research on Brain Function

Co-Occurring Asperger’s and Social Anxiety

Summary

A Word From Verywell