Kaboom! – The Autism Terminology Minefield
Right now, I am almost afraid to open my mouth to talk about being Aspie. Words are important, and I have loved them from an early age. Spelling tests were one of my favourite parts of primary school (I know, “quirky” or what?).
In case you haven’t noticed yet, it’s Autism Awareness Month - or is it? The Little Britain character that says “yes but, no but” comes to mind, because some folk prefer it to be called Autism Acceptance Month.
Like some weird mathematical conundrum where the question to be solved starts off with: “A bus driver starts his route at 2.30 pm, and picks up 3 children and 2 adults at 4 bus stops at an average of 10 minutes apart” and finishes with: “what did the bus driver have for lunch?”. I am currently a bit befuddled as to what I should put as my diagnosis on forms. I was diagnosed as having Asperger’s Syndrome as an adult, but subsequently the powers that be have decided that the term Asperger’s Syndrome is out, and people like myself are now to be categorised as having an ASD (Autistic Spectrum Disorder). Personally, I view this as being an umbrella term that is a starting point of a description, not an end point. Also, I know I am not alone in feeling my hackles rise at the term “disorder”, when the word “condition” is available and more positive.
In an effort to understand the terminology, I took a peek at the National Autistic Society website (UK) which states: “For many people, the term Asperger syndrome is part of their day-to-day vocabulary and identity, so it is understandable that there are concerns around the removal from DMS-5 (sic) of Asperger syndrome as a distinct category. Everyone who currently has a diagnosis on the autism spectrum, including those with Asperger syndrome, will retain their diagnosis. No one will ‘lose’ their diagnosis because of the changes in DSM-5.”
“Because of recent and upcoming changes to the main diagnostic manuals, 'Autism Spectrum Disorder' (ASD) is now likely to become the most commonly given diagnostic term. Asperger syndrome remains a useful profile for many diagnosticians and professionals.”
When I view all of the above through the prism of disability cultural identity, and a climate of reclaiming words (“crip” and “queer” are just two examples) – I am happy to continue as an “Aspie”. For me it’s a cuddly, friendly type of word, that has a positive vibe. It is far removed from any type of “disorder”. Aspie is also a time-saving term, being two syllables rather than the five of Asperger’s Syndrome or the seven of Autism Spectrum Disorder (an Aspie sentence if ever I saw one!)
While certain aspects of my Aspie-ness can be disabling at times, I don’t see the word disability as a negative word. Now that’s a blog for another day – “Disability – the social model versus the medical model” …… I think it’s time for a power nap!
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Sex Goddess x
#YFNSG
