[Asperger syndrome. A new diagnosis in the international classification of diseases].

Asperger's syndrome (AS) is a new diagnosis in the 10th edition of International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). AS is closely related to infantile autism and belongs to the so-called pervasive developmental disorders. The characteristics of the disorder are qualitative abnormalities in reciprocal social interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behaviour and interests and often motor clumsiness and problems with nonverbal and social aspects of communication. The sex ratio is about eight boys to one girl and the prevalence among schoolage boys is about 0.3%. The abnormalities normally persist into adulthood. Early diagnosis and a combination of social, educational and psychiatric interventions are necessary to relieve the stress on the person with AS and his family. Differential diagnoses and assessment are discussed.