In simple words: Asperger's syndrome is a type of autism where people have trouble with social skills and communicating. They might have repetitive behaviors or very specific interests.While they usually talk and understand things well, they may find social situations difficult. Treatment involves helping them learn social skills and other therapies.

Asperger's syndrome (F84.5) is a neurodevelopmental disorder now considered part of the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).It is characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction and nonverbal communication, alongside restricted, repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities.While individuals with Asperger's syndrome typically have relatively unimpaired spoken language and intelligence compared to other ASDs, they still face challenges in understanding social cues, engaging in reciprocal conversations, and adapting to changes in routine.The diagnosis is based on clinical observation and assessment of symptoms aligning with diagnostic criteria.Treatment may include social skills training, speech therapy, occupational therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Example 1: A 7-year-old boy is brought in by his parents due to social difficulties at school. He has excellent language skills but struggles to understand social cues, often misinterpreting jokes and sarcasm. He demonstrates intense interests in trains and schedules, and exhibits repetitive behaviors such as arranging his toys in precise lines.He would be diagnosed with ASD and the appropriate code assigned based on his presentation., A 16-year-old girl is referred for therapy due to anxiety and social isolation. She describes difficulties forming relationships and maintaining conversations. She has a strong interest in a niche hobby, but finds it challenging to engage in other activities or adapt to unexpected situations.She exhibits repetitive self-soothing behaviors. She may also have associated conditions that need to be addressed during treatment such as anxiety or depression. , A 30-year-old adult presents with difficulty maintaining employment due to struggles with teamwork and communication in the workplace. He experiences challenges adapting to changes in his work schedule and has trouble understanding social interactions with colleagues. He has above-average intelligence but finds navigating social situations in the workplace particularly stressful.He is assessed by a therapist specializing in ASD and would receive appropriate ASD coding without specific reference to Asperger's.

Detailed documentation should include a comprehensive history and physical examination. Behavioral observations, standardized assessment tools (e.g., Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS), Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R)), and detailed descriptions of social communication deficits, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors are essential for accurate coding. Information on adaptive functioning, cognitive abilities, and any comorbid conditions should also be documented.

** Due to the obsolete nature of F84.5,refer to the most recent ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR guidelines for appropriate coding of Autism Spectrum Disorder.Remember to code the specific level of severity and associated symptoms accurately.