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But the definition was broadened, Professor Happé says, when in the 1990s Asperger's syndrome was added to diagnostic manuals.

The eightfold increase in new diagnoses that Ginny Russell found included Asperger's syndrome, which was seen as a particular type of autism.

NBC News reports that Lawler’s attorneys pleaded for his life on the grounds that he “was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder that most closely resembles Asperger’s syndrome, which impaired his social interactions and judgment.”

Joanne Cozens, whose son Thomas has Asperger's syndrome, said she was not properly informed of the dangers before she became pregnant.

Elon Musk has also said he is on the spectrum, referencing Asperger's syndrome.