Asperger And Kanner Differences Essay

While Kanner and Asperger identified a number of similar attributes across different clinical groups, Asperger observed three distinct differences, in contrast, his participants spoke fluently (Happé, 1994). In addition, Asperger also described them as clumsy and lacking in both gross and fine motor control, in contrast Kanner’s participants demonstrated dexterity by spinning objects. The final distinction is highlighted when assessing the learning abilities of the participants, Kanner considered learning by rote to be most appropriate as this played to an innate strength. For Asperger his participants learned spontaneously, he therefore considered them to be ‘abstract thinkers’ (Happé, 1994, p.12).

These differences led researchers to consider …show more content…
Secondly their non-verbal communication would be stifled with little facial expression and inappropriate gesture. Thirdly, their interaction with others would also be stifled, lacking in empathy and without any natural turn taking. In addition, as the fourth criteria, they would also prefer repetitive activities and struggle with change. The fifth area considered that there could be odd posture and as Asperger described clumsy and awkward motor control. The sixth and last of the criteria suggested that individuals with Asperger syndrome would have good memories, although this may be limited to particular interests. This criteria, refined through the 1980s enabled clinicians to diagnose more subtle cases of autism, criticism of the Asperger syndrome diagnosis has focused upon its use as a tool for diagnosis, having become separated from the theoretical components that constitute autism. As suggested by Happé (1994), Asperger syndrome separates the language and cognitive elements from autism, leaving only social difficulties as a core element of autism. As further research suggests this is problematic as the social difficulties experienced by individuals with autism has a cognitive