Gillberg’s Diagnostic Criteria for Asperger’s Syndrome

Note: It bothers me that Gillberg makes no reference to the subjective/objective dichotomy affecting so many Aspies. In fact, every Aspie with whom I’ve raised the matter has confirmed that they have the same or similar kinds of experiences as me in these areas. I plan to pursue this further. Read more here…

1. Severe impairment in reciprocal social interaction

(at least two of the following)

1. inability to interact with peers
2. lack of desire to interact with peers
3. lack of appreciation of social cues 
4. socially and emotionally inappropriate behavior

2. All-absorbing narrow interest

(at least one of the following)

1. exclusion of other activities
2. repetitive adherence
3. more rote than meaning

3. Imposition of routines and interests

(at least one of the following)

1. on self, in aspects of life 
2. on others

4. Speech and language problems

(at least three of the following)

1. delayed development
2. superficially perfect expressive language 
3. formal, pedantic language 
4. odd prosody, peculiar voice characteristics
5. impairment of comprehension including misinterpretations of literal/implied meanings 

5. Non-verbal communication problems

(at least one of the following)

1. limited use of gestures
2. clumsy/gauche body language 
3. limited facial expression 
4. inappropriate expression 
5. peculiar, stiff gaze

6. Motor clumsiness: poor performance on neurodevelopmental examination

(All six criteria must be met for confirmation of diagnosis.)