Why We Need to Talk About the Name “Asperger’s”

For many years, the term Asperger’s Syndrome was used to describe a form of autism often associated with high verbal ability and average to above-average intelligence. It became a household word for some — a label that brought clarity, identity, and even community. But there’s a growing movement to let go of the name. And the reason why is uncomfortable, important, and long overdue.

Who Was Hans Asperger?

Hans Asperger was an Austrian pediatrician who, during the 1940s, wrote about a group of children he described as having distinct social and communication differences, but with strong verbal and intellectual skills. For decades, he was praised as a pioneer in understanding what we now recognize as part of the autism spectrum.

But new historical research has painted a very different picture.

In 2018, historian Dr. Herwig Czech published evidence that Hans Asperger collaborated with the Nazi regime. He referred children he deemed “incurably autistic” to the Am Spiegelgrund clinic — a facility where hundreds of children were murdered under the Nazi child euthanasia program. While he is often remembered as someone who advocated for children, the truth is more complicated and disturbing.

The Legacy of the Name

The name Asperger’s Syndrome was officially included in the DSM-IV in 1994, but by the time this darker part of Hans Asperger’s history came to light, the diagnostic label had already become part of how many people understood themselves and others. Some continue to identify with it — it may have helped them find support, connection, or simply a framework to make sense of their experience.

Still, using the term also means carrying forward the name of someone who played a role in a system that dehumanized and killed disabled children. That’s not just a historical footnote — it’s a moral reckoning.

A Shift Toward Inclusive Language

Today, most clinicians and researchers no longer use “Asperger’s” as a diagnostic label. The DSM-5, published in 2013, folded Asperger’s into the broader diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), recognizing that autism presents in many different ways and should be understood as a spectrum, not a set of separate categories.

This change reflects not only a better understanding of autism, but also a growing commitment to honoring autistic people — including those whose experiences have been historically overlooked or excluded. It’s part of a broader shift toward person-centered and trauma-informed language in mental health and neurodiversity communities.

What Does This Mean for People Who Still Identify with the Term?

Language evolves, but identity is personal. Some people who were diagnosed with or have long used the term “Asperger’s” may feel conflicted or resistant to the idea of changing how they refer to themselves. That’s understandable.

No one is being asked to erase their history — but understanding the roots of the term helps inform our choices moving forward. Many in the autistic community now prefer identity-first language like “autistic person” rather than “person with autism,” and many have moved away from using “Asperger’s” altogether.

What matters most is centering the voices and needs of autistic individuals — especially those most affected by systems of exclusion, ableism, and historical violence.

Moving Forward

We can honor the ways people have found connection through the label Asperger’s while also acknowledging that the name carries a legacy that can’t be ignored. Choosing different language doesn’t erase the past — it’s a step toward a more inclusive future.

At its core, this is about respect. Respect for the truth. Respect for those who were harmed. And respect for the evolving understanding of autism — one that reflects a full range of human experience, with dignity and care.

Finding Support as a Neurodivergent Adult

You deserve relationships where your communication style, sensory needs, and way of connecting are honored — not pathologized.

At PeoplePsych, we work with autistic adults, ADHDers, and others who identify as neurodivergent to better understand how attachment shows up in their lives. Our goal is to create a space where you feel seen and supported as you build more secure and meaningful relationships.

If you’re ready to explore your attachment style, unmask in a safe setting, or simply feel more connected in your relationships, we’re here to help.

To connect with one of our therapists, please contact us at (312) 252-5252 or intake@peoplepsych.com to schedule a consultation with a therapist who understands neurodivergent experiences.