Types of Aspergers
And Their Subcategories

Are you aware that there are different types of Aspergers, despite the fact that this is a single condition? Just as there are various personalities in neurotypical individuals, there are different traits among people within a certain diagnosis.

What are some types of Asperger behaviors?

No matter which type of Aspergers a person has, there are specific characteristics that they each usually share.

The need for order is apparent in many cases and stereotyped repetitive movements are readily recognized. These movements are called self-stimulatory behaviors, and are necessary for self regulation especially because of these individual's sensitivities to sensory input. The repetitive movements are seen as unusual by the general public.

Social deficits are also apparent in individuals with this diagnosis. Children might want to play with others but they don’t seem to know how. Interaction with others is often difficult and uncomfortable.

What are the subcategories of these types?

The Logical Type
This subcategory of Aspergers concerns individuals who seem to be very cautious.

They like to know exactly what to expect, and they prefer to have the rules systematically spelled out for them.
They often have difficulty getting past the analytical stage when completing tasks and assignments.
The need for order and logical sequence can lead to frustration and intolerance for things that appear to be irrational.
The logical type might resist following directions that don’t make sense.

The Emotional Type
The emotional type is less likely to lean toward analysis and rules.

This individual is controlled by feelings rather than rational thought.
Many of their emotions might be difficult to control, and this can lead to anxiety and tension.
Individuals who fall into the emotional subcategory might experience more frustration, and they may act out more than other types.
Structure and order help to calm and organize this behavior.

The Rule Type
The rule subtype also loves structure and order.

These individuals need to have everything in its place, including their daily routines.
If rules are not established, this type will make his or her own rules in order to understand and organize his or her surroundings.

The Passive Type
The passive Asperger individual likes to follow directions and thrives in most classroom environments.

Some children in this category may be too complacent.
There is a distinction between compliance and complacency.
The goal is to have some balance.

Asperger syndrome is sometimes associated with depression as well as pediatric obsessive-compulsive syndrome, OCD; attention deficit disorder, ADD; and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD.

The defined categories listed above are not set in stone! Many children who have NO diagnosis might display some of these characteristics. The different types of Aspergers are merely a way of looking at different aspects of the condition.

Return to "Aspergers" from "Types of Aspergers"

Types of AspergersAnd Their Subcategories

And Their Subcategories

Types of Aspergers
And Their Subcategories