Overview
- Coverage tied to International Asperger Day highlights that the former Asperger label is classified within autism spectrum disorder under modern diagnostic criteria.
- UNAM academic Fructuoso Ayala Guerrero says detection is often feasible at 18–24 months through early interaction cues, with early stimulation deemed essential.
- Diagnosis is clinical and multidisciplinary, relying on integrated assessments by pediatricians, neurologists, psychologists and speech therapists rather than a single test.
- Frequently reported childhood signs include intense specific interests, rigid routines, limited eye contact, literal language interpretation and unusual sensory sensitivities.
- WHO estimates suggest roughly 1 in 100 people worldwide are on the spectrum and Mexico reports about 1 in 115 children; care targets symptoms such as anxiety or depression, misdiagnosis is possible, and newer reporting underscores underdiagnosis in girls who camouflage social difficulties.