To better understand the difference between a diagnosis of Aspergers and other syndromes, the DSM-IV TR would be the manual of choice. All DSM diagnoses of psychiatric disorders involve a specific pattern of symptoms. As our knowledge expands, these patterns and diagnoses change.
That said, the Wikipedia definition makes it clear that Aspergers is quite a bit different (and far less severe) than MR or autism. Perhaps, that is one reason it is over-diagnosed (along with AD/HD) in educational settings.
I appreciate your comments.
I am frustrated, as I have family who will NOT try to learn anything about Aspergers, and insist on taking things personally, when the poor social skills of my son cause a problem.
It is not an excuse to allow under achievement.
It is not an excuse to allow malice or abuse or even bad manors.
However, understanding the syndrome does help reduce the hurt, the pain, the guilt, and even a bit of the frustration in dealing with this disorder.
It is like you are dealing the “Dr. Spock” on Star Trek, or a robot, at times.
They just don't think or react like the rest of us.