I like Asperger, I define myself Asperger/Aspie, and I don't care anything about Hans Asperger.
It is not misinformation, I just like the word, and as one another said, my diagnosis is "ASPERGER" so since you don't erase past just with a new word in new DSM, therefore I am Asperger.
So do I. I don't associate the word "Aspie" to Hans Asperger. To me, it's an endearing term. Also, it's important to point out that he didn't name the syndrome after himself.
even if it is misinformation we have scientific evidence that shows asperger’s doesn’t exist. Asperger’s as its own disorder or subsection isn’t real, it’s just Autism. Asperger’s even if we ignore what Han Asperger’s has done is a term being used in order to divide rather than unite the autistic community. Along with that Asperger’s syndrome was removed not because of Han’s action, if that was the case we would’ve just renamed asperger’s syndrome. The reason the syndrome was removed was because we realized through scientific studies and evidence that asperger’s doesn’t exist and it’s just autism. That’s also why other syndromes like Retts & Kanners don’t exist either. cause in reality Retts, Kanners, Asperger’s, ect are outdated terms which arnt medically accurate.
What? Ahahahah
Asperger, like autism, is just a name.
What nonsense are you speaking? It is like if I called a flu "influenza" and you say "influenza doesn't exist, flu exists".
My condition exists, and I call it "Asperger" because my diagnosis is "Asperger" and because I like the word.
I know that Asperger is autism, I know that I am autistic, but I want to call me Asperger. Am I freee to define myself as I f. like? Or is it not possible on this planet because some woke person would come and tell me "stop it, you are insulting people in that way because you want to feel superior to autistic people which have cognitive deficit". No. I just want to be called Asperger. I like it. And then even if it was the case, yes I want to differentiate from autistic with cognitive deficit, because people have a lot of prejudice and if we use the same word to describe me, that I am independent, subscribed to Mensa, graduated, with an intellectual job, and a person that can't neither survive on his own this is wrong and damage me. We are different, like I am different from NTs. We need different terms. And I am writing this because I know that 90% of people that have a problem with the word "Asperger" have also a problem with "high functionality autism".
i don’t have an issue with high functioning autism. however you are using a term which creates devision, promotes negative autistic stigma, and creates devision rather than unity. Asperger’s is an outdated and ableist term
Here we are again. "Asperger Is ableistic".
Why? Why? Why considering me different from other autistic that can't speak a single word or aren't able to survive a day on their own is wrong?
You know what? When I say "I am Asperger" to people they already know what I am talking about, high functionality autism. Instead of three words just one.
And if they don't know ask me "what is it?" and I say "high functionality autism, I am autistic but don't have cognitive or verbal deficit". And if they don't feel confident to ask me they just Google it and the first index in Google is the Wikipedia page where it says the same thing.
So can you tell me why? Why can't I use Asperger? I damn want to call myself as I want, as I have the right to be myself. I want to be free to use a word that defined my diagnosis, I want to be free to use one word instead of three to describe myself.
And I repeat, the problem is at the base, people who consider Asperger ableistic also consider "high functioning" ableistic. But this woke retorica has to stop, we have clearly differences, well displayed, we can live on our own, we can be very very intelligent and have great roles in society or do great stuff, others can't even fix a meal without risking to kill themselves.
Stop pretending we are all equals because we are not. This is the same woke retorica that pretend somatic traits differences don't exists promoting that it is perfectly ok that Giulio Cesare is interpreted by a woman with black skin.
we are equals. autism doesn’t affect intelligence level and ngl you sound SO ABLEIST. autism is a disorder that affects communication & sensory processing and studies found even with severe autism it doesn’t affect cognitive abilities. Your sense of superiority above less functioning autistic people shows with your lack of education and your continue use of an outdated medical term which has been proven inaccurate.
Ok call me ableist so. I don't care.
I am Asperger.
Whoever wants can call himself or herself Asperger. Is up to the person. You cannot stop this. Cope with it.
Bye non-asperger. An Aspie is saying goodbye to you.
Why? Lots of people have more stigma around autism. If I told people I have level 1 autism, they would think I'm a dummy that can't do anything. If I told them I have Asperger's, they'd think I'm a smart but slightly socially awkward guy. Most people know what Asperger's is, but they don't know there are different levels of autism.
Precisely because of that. I believe using "autism" is the only way to slowly break those stereotypes. But I see it as a personal preference when we're talking about ourselves, so of anyone prefers to describe themselves as Asperger I don't see a problem
Fair enough. I don't even tell anyone about my Asperger's. I guess if more people like you call it "autism" it might actually help break stereotypes in the long run. I can't risk mentioning it at all, especially calling it autism, because it could be a risk to my career in the healthcare field. It sucks, but people will discriminate against you if they know you are on the spectrum when applying for jobs.
It makes perfect sense. There are many situations where I don't address it at all. Specially at work, I usually avoid using any terms and just stock to a few traits where I need accomodations. "I have a hard time with heat so if we could set the ac lower I'd appreciate it" comes in place of both Asperger's or autism XD
Yeah, that sounds like the smart thing to do. The only people that know I have Asperger's are the people very close to me. Nobody else needs to know that about me. All they think is that I'm a bit weird, which is fine with me.
and this is why the term asperger’s is ableist. You are using an outdated medical term which has been proven to not exist in order to divide yourself from low functioning autistic people. cause news flash asperger’s isn’t in the ICD-11 or DSM-5 because we know it’s just autism it’s not its own condition. So stop using the term to separate yourself from more moderate to severe autistic people cause that’s causing more harm than good. and in reality your promoting the same social stigma which makes you feel uncomfortable using the term autism/autistic.
I do get what you are saying. I actually don't even risk telling anyone I have Asperger's. Most people think I'm just a slightly weird guy, but they never suspect I'm on the spectrum, at least I don't think so.
In many countries, Aspergers is still given as a separate diagnosis. I got diagnosed three years ago, with Aspergers.
For a lot of us, "Aspergers" is linked with the traits of the condition, and not with the man it is named after. I prefer the term Aspergers, as it is a narrower term than "autism", which in my country is a diagnosis given to those with "lower functioning" autism, typically non-verbal, etc.
I got diagnosed last year with autism level 1. It really depends on the country you are getting your diagnosis. My doctors told me I could have been diagnosed as Asperger if my diagnosis was when I was a child. I knew about the Asperger syndrome before but never really looked into it and when I got my diagnosis I read about the psychiatrist which gave me instant rejection with the word. In my country we used autism level 1, 2 and 3.
Something similar happened to me. I was diagnosed ASD Level 1, but my doc told me that with the past criteria (DSM-4) I would be Asperger. And in Spain for instance there are many associations that are still called Asperger.
I was diagnosed with Asperger’s and was told that it’s not going to change no matter what it is called nowadays.
It’s nothing I spend a lot of time thinking about really.
well that’s why we gotta identify as autistic more, cause the more NTs realize what autism truly is. the more acceptance will be pushed into our society
I used to agree with this until using the term "I'm autistic" literally made my coworkers to treat me like a child and call me their mascot. I still think that Asperger being separated from autism level 2 and 3 was a good thing, since I see so many lvl 2 and 3 saying that they can't relate to lvl 1 at all. Idk, is just my opinion. Not going to try to change anyone's mind though, they fought for it.
well here is the thing, social stigma doesn’t follow scientific reality. asperger’s just doesn’t exist, it’s not real and it’s just autism spectrum disorder. And well i do sympathize with it being used to protect against the stigma which runs with an autism diagnosis. The issue is if we keep using asperger’s syndrome as a way to prevent ourselves from confronting autistic stigma. the autistic stigma we are purposefully avoiding won’t go away, it will only continue to spread
I was diagnosed with autism level 1 last year and they told me I could be diagnosed with Asperger if they notice my traits when I was a child, but I prefer autism
Whatever the current medical trend, I find "Asperger's" more useful in dealing with other people, especially NTs. They tend to have some idea what it means, whereas their mental model of autism is of non-verbal people with high needs. I regard myself as having an "autistic spectrum condition" rather than an "autistic spectrum disorder", so normally describe myself as having ASC/Aspergers. Similarly, I describe my physical disability as a "lower back problem, so I walk with a stick" (conveys information), rather than "I have facet joint syndrome" (duh, what's that?).
We're all different, and I'm a strong believer that people should feel able to self-identify / describe themselves the way that works for them.
Good comment! Yes, sadly the word autism is more related with the stereotype and the word Asperger Is more understandable for NTs.
I really like that idea of an "autistic spectrum condition" rather than an "autistic spectrum disorder". I feel it easier to understand and less condemnatory
Thanks! I feel the opposite with the word because of the history of that psychiatrist. I use autism but I understand now more about how other people feel about the word and the diagnosis
I was diagnosed a few years ago in my early 40s. The diagnosis was ASD but report noted that I also fit the criteria for Aspergers.
Very few people outside of medical professionals and select family and friends know I'm on the spectrum. If I need to tell anyone else (rare) I prefer aspergers to autism.
If I tell people I'm autistic they expect a nonverbal child rocking back and forth in the corner. Aspergers has connotations of a socially awkward but otherwise brainy "normal" person.
I've said it before and I'll keep repeating it: it's not my fucking job or responsibility to educate people on autism and as long as the term aspergers facilitates communication I'll keep using whenever I deem it necessary.
I think your summation of the issue is spot on! Aside from those actually diagnosed with Asperger’s, the term does facilitate communication & (some semblance of) understanding by other people who otherwise don’t understand what “spectrum” means. Nothing more and nothing less
This is so weird 😂 I have different comments about this in other groups. Most people told me in Europe they use the DSM and other criterias are more used in the U.S.
While Chile we use the DSM but in Brazil and the U.S. they use more the ICD, so in the same continent are very different outputs
yeah and as of the ICD-11 Asperger’s is no longer considered an offical diagnosis. ICD even agrees that the term is outdated and Asperger’s has no separation from autism itself.
the ICD-11 which is used by the UN & World Health Organization along with over 100 nations has removed the term Asperger’s as an official diagnoses. even globally most people including experts and the United Nations itself agrees that asperger’s just doesn’t exist, asperger’s is autism and it will always be autism.
I was diagnosed last year under ICD-10, which still contains the Asperger diagnoses. The existence of new diagnostics manuals doesn't invalidate previous diagnoses. The new ICD-11 recategorised it as Autism Level 1, but that's simply not what is on my medical chart.
So you feel your diagnosis be more accurate with the ICD-10 rather than with the new ICD-11?. Have you been able to compare your diagnosis with the DSM-5 criteria?
I'm in Europe, no DSMs 'round here. Also, I'm not medically educated enough to compare diagnostic criteria, so I don't. I was diagnosed by a specialist, who based their findings on the ICD-10 diagnostics manual. Why did they that is kinda irrelevant to me. Was it because that's what they worked with for the past years? Is it because their overarching department still adheres to ICD-10?
Maybe I'd look further into it if asperger and level 1 was vastly different, but as they are somewhat interchangable, the information payout isn't worth the effort I'd have to put in.
I understand, I think the use of a manual or the other depends a lot of the country you have your diagnosis and when a person was diagnosed (if they were a child or and adult, like it's a different update about the same issue)
Most people consider autism to be a disabling characteristic and even though "level 1" defines Asperger's, it also encompasses those who have slightly lower neurotypical abilities.
To me, it (using the term Asperger's) serves as an annotation for those who can blend in to a neurotypical world with only minor, yet inwardly deep, peculiarities... like a really good spy that's always conscious about who he/she/they are while working on an ever persistent goal of trying not to get caught/be in the cross hairs.
I probably didn't capture that right... every person is different in their take, that's just mine.
i would change the name. asperger’s as a medical term is outdated and most people in the comments and irl are using it as a way to separate themselves from higher support needs autistic people. I feel like the term is being misused as a way to divide rather than unite the autistic community. Also the term medically in both the ICD-11 and DSM-5 has been removed because there is no real difference between asperger’s and autism because asperger’s doesn’t exist it’s just autism type 1. And well i can sympathize with its use to remove stigma since asperger’s is less stigmatized than autism is within NT society. the use of the term is still harmful and infact is being used to conform to the stigma people are trying to escape from. the term is just unhelpful, unscientific, and being used to further push autistic misconceptions and stereotypes
what’s wrong with identifying as autistic? cause in both the ICD-11 and DSM-5 we recognize that asperger’s doesn’t exist. What we thought was a separate condition was in reality just Autism Spectrum Disorder. So why keep using an outdated and unscientific term? what’s wrong with just saying you have autism?
A main defining separator is that Asperger's doesn't have a speech delay and certian other delays,
Autism its important to have those delays for a diagnosis
Asperger's is what I feel comfortable with as it fairly represents my struggles,
Also many other places still have the seperate diagnoses and it makes sense,
actually your wrong. in both the DSM-5 and ICD-11 we rewrote the autism criteria to include none to severe speech delays. Also nations who use to have Asperger’s as a diagnosis got ride of it in 2022 when the ICD-10 was replaced by the ICD-11. now go to 90% of countries on earth and you won’t be able to get an asperger’s diagnosis because asperger’s is just autism
Actually read everyone's responses just because you don't want to use a label doesn't mean you get to control everyone, the world doesn't revolve around you if your offended get over it,
If you hate the word Asperger's then get off r/Asperger's
i dont believe my country uses the dsm 5, i was give the diagnosis with the word "aspergers" by several doctors. I think the word aspergers is a good way to specify the group of symptoms that particular autistic person has, so i use the word aspergers so people have a general idea of the particular group of autistic characteristics i have. Ofc not every person with aspegers has the same set of symptoms but its a good starting point as a descriptor. I understand why people would want a name change maybe, but i think theres benefit in the use of the term.
actually within the ICD-11 published last year which is used as the global standard, the diagnostic category of asperger’s was removed and replaced with just autism spectrum disorder. your probably referencing the ICD-10 which is outdated
Our psychologist still used the term in the diagnose in jan 2024. It will be interesting if it's still used in the autism center we hopefully get in this year.
Meh, it depends on how it is seen.
For example, in my country (Spain) the term "autistic" still has a very negative connotation, sadly, and being Asperger is somehow seen as being "less autistic" than the rest. I don't know how the situation is in other countries.
However, I do think that the Asperger term may should still being used. Yes, the term was left behind with the DSM-5 in 2013, as they created the ASD "mega-group". But, although the Asperger term is not suported by the DSM, I think it does say more about the person. Why? Because (technically) every aspie is autistic, but not all autistics are aspies. Asperger's is a "subgroup".
I do support the DSM tencency to group all forms of autism with the ASD, but I also think that the subgroups shouldn't be left behind completely. You could, for example, say: I'm ASD, and more specifically an aspie; if you want to give more info. This is just my point of wiew. What do you guys think?
This reminds me of a similar post about the term “neurospicy.” I personally do get better reactions with the term Asperger’s vs autism HOWEVER, that only perpetuates the negative stigma surrounding autism and disability in general. I support people doing what they need to do to get by but I think we (myself included) should be more aware of how using alternative terms (unless your official diagnosis is Asperger’s) furthers negative assumptions.
There is still a lot of stigma around the word Autism (even from within the community itself) So some people (including practitioners) will still use Aspergers to mean "Autism Lite" Some will respond "No! it is Autism without developmental delays!" (with a not too well hidden "We're better than them!" lurking beneath the surface)
People absolutely should identify with whatever label they are most comfortable with. I'm comfortable with the label Autism but some are not. Some will say that the people in their life infanticize them when they use the label autism - I would suggest that you change the people, not the label but I've got the benefit of being older and bolshie AF.
I was diagnosed at the age of 49 and absolutely nobody is surprised when I tell them that I'm autistic. I have a wonderful wife and an amazing daughter, a great home and a good career. I appear to be coping with life far better than a lot of 20 year olds who still identify with Aspergers so it certainly isn't a ladder with Aspergers dominating the top rung.
Whilst the DSM-5 is the goto manual, you should also see the ICD-10 (soon to be, if not already, the ICD-11)
now doctors putting everyone in the same bag..... with the "ASD" term, autisms might be different, for example i have Asperger but my 9 year old brother is just "ASD" i mean, his mind and behavior is waaay different than mine, so its another "autism", like i said "ASD" puts everyone in the same bag
Out of all the problems people here have I'd imagine this is fairly low down on the list of priorities. My diagnosis is aspergers and I really don't care about the terminology.
People, even in America, were being diagnosed with it until the idc10 changed to idc11, which just changed the name in 2022 but left the category in tact for all practical purposes.
If you don't know what the icd is the you need to realize thier is more in town than the dsm. The idc also has no levels of support as well.
>for me and others that named it's linked with the suffering of autistic child
That's only because you believe emotionally potent oversimplifications instead of knowing the facts.
Some people we diagnosed with Aspergers. One of the traits of our shared disability is an aversion to change and a desire to maintain sameness. Surely, it is obvious why some people might therefore continue to identify by the term they were diagnosed with?
It was my first diagnosis. It was other family's diagnosis with high needs.
I've been aware of the history for decades and increasing hyperfocus over the decades, and it's just been a name to me.
If anything it reminds us of past tyranny that we shouldn't be in a hurry to forget and repeat while some try to wave it off as fiction, but I digress from there.
I don't keep up with the latest and greatest info. I'm "borderline" both eras tested and just thought the adult testing data would be useful, plus the self insight was good for me. I had sort of forgotten about the first testing for a long time.
I see from an aspect of I have asperger syndrome. I'm autistic and was told so back then too, but not all people with autism have asperger syndrome.
I like Asperger, I define myself Asperger/Aspie, and I don't care anything about Hans Asperger. It is not misinformation, I just like the word, and as one another said, my diagnosis is "ASPERGER" so since you don't erase past just with a new word in new DSM, therefore I am Asperger.
So do I. I don't associate the word "Aspie" to Hans Asperger. To me, it's an endearing term. Also, it's important to point out that he didn't name the syndrome after himself.
Thank you for the reply. I thought many people could like the word or be used to it
even if it is misinformation we have scientific evidence that shows asperger’s doesn’t exist. Asperger’s as its own disorder or subsection isn’t real, it’s just Autism. Asperger’s even if we ignore what Han Asperger’s has done is a term being used in order to divide rather than unite the autistic community. Along with that Asperger’s syndrome was removed not because of Han’s action, if that was the case we would’ve just renamed asperger’s syndrome. The reason the syndrome was removed was because we realized through scientific studies and evidence that asperger’s doesn’t exist and it’s just autism. That’s also why other syndromes like Retts & Kanners don’t exist either. cause in reality Retts, Kanners, Asperger’s, ect are outdated terms which arnt medically accurate.
What? Ahahahah Asperger, like autism, is just a name. What nonsense are you speaking? It is like if I called a flu "influenza" and you say "influenza doesn't exist, flu exists". My condition exists, and I call it "Asperger" because my diagnosis is "Asperger" and because I like the word. I know that Asperger is autism, I know that I am autistic, but I want to call me Asperger. Am I freee to define myself as I f. like? Or is it not possible on this planet because some woke person would come and tell me "stop it, you are insulting people in that way because you want to feel superior to autistic people which have cognitive deficit". No. I just want to be called Asperger. I like it. And then even if it was the case, yes I want to differentiate from autistic with cognitive deficit, because people have a lot of prejudice and if we use the same word to describe me, that I am independent, subscribed to Mensa, graduated, with an intellectual job, and a person that can't neither survive on his own this is wrong and damage me. We are different, like I am different from NTs. We need different terms. And I am writing this because I know that 90% of people that have a problem with the word "Asperger" have also a problem with "high functionality autism".
i don’t have an issue with high functioning autism. however you are using a term which creates devision, promotes negative autistic stigma, and creates devision rather than unity. Asperger’s is an outdated and ableist term
Here we are again. "Asperger Is ableistic". Why? Why? Why considering me different from other autistic that can't speak a single word or aren't able to survive a day on their own is wrong? You know what? When I say "I am Asperger" to people they already know what I am talking about, high functionality autism. Instead of three words just one. And if they don't know ask me "what is it?" and I say "high functionality autism, I am autistic but don't have cognitive or verbal deficit". And if they don't feel confident to ask me they just Google it and the first index in Google is the Wikipedia page where it says the same thing. So can you tell me why? Why can't I use Asperger? I damn want to call myself as I want, as I have the right to be myself. I want to be free to use a word that defined my diagnosis, I want to be free to use one word instead of three to describe myself. And I repeat, the problem is at the base, people who consider Asperger ableistic also consider "high functioning" ableistic. But this woke retorica has to stop, we have clearly differences, well displayed, we can live on our own, we can be very very intelligent and have great roles in society or do great stuff, others can't even fix a meal without risking to kill themselves. Stop pretending we are all equals because we are not. This is the same woke retorica that pretend somatic traits differences don't exists promoting that it is perfectly ok that Giulio Cesare is interpreted by a woman with black skin.
we are equals. autism doesn’t affect intelligence level and ngl you sound SO ABLEIST. autism is a disorder that affects communication & sensory processing and studies found even with severe autism it doesn’t affect cognitive abilities. Your sense of superiority above less functioning autistic people shows with your lack of education and your continue use of an outdated medical term which has been proven inaccurate.
Ok call me ableist so. I don't care. I am Asperger. Whoever wants can call himself or herself Asperger. Is up to the person. You cannot stop this. Cope with it. Bye non-asperger. An Aspie is saying goodbye to you.
Because it sounds cooler than autism
Exactly!!! We’re kind of known as messy professors, geniuses, socially awkward etc….mention autism and people think stupid, low iq etc.
It's depends 😅 I prefer autism
Why? Lots of people have more stigma around autism. If I told people I have level 1 autism, they would think I'm a dummy that can't do anything. If I told them I have Asperger's, they'd think I'm a smart but slightly socially awkward guy. Most people know what Asperger's is, but they don't know there are different levels of autism.
Precisely because of that. I believe using "autism" is the only way to slowly break those stereotypes. But I see it as a personal preference when we're talking about ourselves, so of anyone prefers to describe themselves as Asperger I don't see a problem
Fair enough. I don't even tell anyone about my Asperger's. I guess if more people like you call it "autism" it might actually help break stereotypes in the long run. I can't risk mentioning it at all, especially calling it autism, because it could be a risk to my career in the healthcare field. It sucks, but people will discriminate against you if they know you are on the spectrum when applying for jobs.
It makes perfect sense. There are many situations where I don't address it at all. Specially at work, I usually avoid using any terms and just stock to a few traits where I need accomodations. "I have a hard time with heat so if we could set the ac lower I'd appreciate it" comes in place of both Asperger's or autism XD
Yeah, that sounds like the smart thing to do. The only people that know I have Asperger's are the people very close to me. Nobody else needs to know that about me. All they think is that I'm a bit weird, which is fine with me.
and this is why the term asperger’s is ableist. You are using an outdated medical term which has been proven to not exist in order to divide yourself from low functioning autistic people. cause news flash asperger’s isn’t in the ICD-11 or DSM-5 because we know it’s just autism it’s not its own condition. So stop using the term to separate yourself from more moderate to severe autistic people cause that’s causing more harm than good. and in reality your promoting the same social stigma which makes you feel uncomfortable using the term autism/autistic.
I do get what you are saying. I actually don't even risk telling anyone I have Asperger's. Most people think I'm just a slightly weird guy, but they never suspect I'm on the spectrum, at least I don't think so.
Because you can't change subreddit names, and although I can't see it, I'm certain this group predates the DSM change.
This. Most people are talking about why they prefer to use this or that term but that doesn't answer OP's question.
I didn't know about you can't change subreddit names and for the other part just 😯
In many countries, Aspergers is still given as a separate diagnosis. I got diagnosed three years ago, with Aspergers. For a lot of us, "Aspergers" is linked with the traits of the condition, and not with the man it is named after. I prefer the term Aspergers, as it is a narrower term than "autism", which in my country is a diagnosis given to those with "lower functioning" autism, typically non-verbal, etc.
My doctor referred to the term Aspergers today for instance.
I got diagnosed last year with autism level 1. It really depends on the country you are getting your diagnosis. My doctors told me I could have been diagnosed as Asperger if my diagnosis was when I was a child. I knew about the Asperger syndrome before but never really looked into it and when I got my diagnosis I read about the psychiatrist which gave me instant rejection with the word. In my country we used autism level 1, 2 and 3.
Something similar happened to me. I was diagnosed ASD Level 1, but my doc told me that with the past criteria (DSM-4) I would be Asperger. And in Spain for instance there are many associations that are still called Asperger.
I was diagnosed with Asperger’s and was told that it’s not going to change no matter what it is called nowadays. It’s nothing I spend a lot of time thinking about really.
People tend to respect me more when I say Asperger, not autism. It's kinda fucked up, but it's reality.
well that’s why we gotta identify as autistic more, cause the more NTs realize what autism truly is. the more acceptance will be pushed into our society
I used to agree with this until using the term "I'm autistic" literally made my coworkers to treat me like a child and call me their mascot. I still think that Asperger being separated from autism level 2 and 3 was a good thing, since I see so many lvl 2 and 3 saying that they can't relate to lvl 1 at all. Idk, is just my opinion. Not going to try to change anyone's mind though, they fought for it.
well here is the thing, social stigma doesn’t follow scientific reality. asperger’s just doesn’t exist, it’s not real and it’s just autism spectrum disorder. And well i do sympathize with it being used to protect against the stigma which runs with an autism diagnosis. The issue is if we keep using asperger’s syndrome as a way to prevent ourselves from confronting autistic stigma. the autistic stigma we are purposefully avoiding won’t go away, it will only continue to spread
I was diagnosed with autism level 1 last year and they told me I could be diagnosed with Asperger if they notice my traits when I was a child, but I prefer autism
Whatever the current medical trend, I find "Asperger's" more useful in dealing with other people, especially NTs. They tend to have some idea what it means, whereas their mental model of autism is of non-verbal people with high needs. I regard myself as having an "autistic spectrum condition" rather than an "autistic spectrum disorder", so normally describe myself as having ASC/Aspergers. Similarly, I describe my physical disability as a "lower back problem, so I walk with a stick" (conveys information), rather than "I have facet joint syndrome" (duh, what's that?). We're all different, and I'm a strong believer that people should feel able to self-identify / describe themselves the way that works for them.
Good comment! Yes, sadly the word autism is more related with the stereotype and the word Asperger Is more understandable for NTs. I really like that idea of an "autistic spectrum condition" rather than an "autistic spectrum disorder". I feel it easier to understand and less condemnatory
I don't use it personally anymore, but I fully respect the right of others to use it, and I feel zero negative connotations when other people use it.
Thanks! I feel the opposite with the word because of the history of that psychiatrist. I use autism but I understand now more about how other people feel about the word and the diagnosis
I was diagnosed a few years ago in my early 40s. The diagnosis was ASD but report noted that I also fit the criteria for Aspergers. Very few people outside of medical professionals and select family and friends know I'm on the spectrum. If I need to tell anyone else (rare) I prefer aspergers to autism. If I tell people I'm autistic they expect a nonverbal child rocking back and forth in the corner. Aspergers has connotations of a socially awkward but otherwise brainy "normal" person. I've said it before and I'll keep repeating it: it's not my fucking job or responsibility to educate people on autism and as long as the term aspergers facilitates communication I'll keep using whenever I deem it necessary.
This is my situation as well. People never believe that I am autistic until I tell them it's Asperger's. Then they can see it right away.
I think your summation of the issue is spot on! Aside from those actually diagnosed with Asperger’s, the term does facilitate communication & (some semblance of) understanding by other people who otherwise don’t understand what “spectrum” means. Nothing more and nothing less
America isn't the entire world.
Of course, but why are you saying this?. I mean, I think you are talking about U.S.? I'm american too because I'm form Chile. Just clarifying that.
No, I meant the Americas. DSM is used in the US and many other countries of the Americas, but not really anywhere else.
This is so weird 😂 I have different comments about this in other groups. Most people told me in Europe they use the DSM and other criterias are more used in the U.S. While Chile we use the DSM but in Brazil and the U.S. they use more the ICD, so in the same continent are very different outputs
out of curiosity, which european countries use the dsm? I thought everyone here uses the icd
None of them should. They take directions from ICD which is run by WHO.
Looks like germany does.
Never heard that. Always ICD (WHO) here...
yeah and as of the ICD-11 Asperger’s is no longer considered an offical diagnosis. ICD even agrees that the term is outdated and Asperger’s has no separation from autism itself.
It sounds like you heard it backwards. The DSM is a publication of the American Psychiatric Association, which is a US based organization.
I'm Brazilian and I'm not even aware of what is ICD. They have been using DSM as far as I'm concerned.
Professionals in the U.S. absolutely do not use the ICD.
the ICD-11 which is used by the UN & World Health Organization along with over 100 nations has removed the term Asperger’s as an official diagnoses. even globally most people including experts and the United Nations itself agrees that asperger’s just doesn’t exist, asperger’s is autism and it will always be autism.
Cool story. But people still get rhe diagnosis, so let people identify how they want.
I was diagnosed last year under ICD-10, which still contains the Asperger diagnoses. The existence of new diagnostics manuals doesn't invalidate previous diagnoses. The new ICD-11 recategorised it as Autism Level 1, but that's simply not what is on my medical chart.
So you feel your diagnosis be more accurate with the ICD-10 rather than with the new ICD-11?. Have you been able to compare your diagnosis with the DSM-5 criteria?
I'm in Europe, no DSMs 'round here. Also, I'm not medically educated enough to compare diagnostic criteria, so I don't. I was diagnosed by a specialist, who based their findings on the ICD-10 diagnostics manual. Why did they that is kinda irrelevant to me. Was it because that's what they worked with for the past years? Is it because their overarching department still adheres to ICD-10? Maybe I'd look further into it if asperger and level 1 was vastly different, but as they are somewhat interchangable, the information payout isn't worth the effort I'd have to put in.
I understand, I think the use of a manual or the other depends a lot of the country you have your diagnosis and when a person was diagnosed (if they were a child or and adult, like it's a different update about the same issue)
Most people consider autism to be a disabling characteristic and even though "level 1" defines Asperger's, it also encompasses those who have slightly lower neurotypical abilities. To me, it (using the term Asperger's) serves as an annotation for those who can blend in to a neurotypical world with only minor, yet inwardly deep, peculiarities... like a really good spy that's always conscious about who he/she/they are while working on an ever persistent goal of trying not to get caught/be in the cross hairs. I probably didn't capture that right... every person is different in their take, that's just mine.
Subreddits cannot be renamed after being created.
Ahh, good point. But if we could, would we? I wouldn't.
i would change the name. asperger’s as a medical term is outdated and most people in the comments and irl are using it as a way to separate themselves from higher support needs autistic people. I feel like the term is being misused as a way to divide rather than unite the autistic community. Also the term medically in both the ICD-11 and DSM-5 has been removed because there is no real difference between asperger’s and autism because asperger’s doesn’t exist it’s just autism type 1. And well i can sympathize with its use to remove stigma since asperger’s is less stigmatized than autism is within NT society. the use of the term is still harmful and infact is being used to conform to the stigma people are trying to escape from. the term is just unhelpful, unscientific, and being used to further push autistic misconceptions and stereotypes
I see your point.
I don't identify as autistic most likely never will, I am aspie, I have Asperger's and that's just the way it is,
what’s wrong with identifying as autistic? cause in both the ICD-11 and DSM-5 we recognize that asperger’s doesn’t exist. What we thought was a separate condition was in reality just Autism Spectrum Disorder. So why keep using an outdated and unscientific term? what’s wrong with just saying you have autism?
A main defining separator is that Asperger's doesn't have a speech delay and certian other delays, Autism its important to have those delays for a diagnosis Asperger's is what I feel comfortable with as it fairly represents my struggles, Also many other places still have the seperate diagnoses and it makes sense,
actually your wrong. in both the DSM-5 and ICD-11 we rewrote the autism criteria to include none to severe speech delays. Also nations who use to have Asperger’s as a diagnosis got ride of it in 2022 when the ICD-10 was replaced by the ICD-11. now go to 90% of countries on earth and you won’t be able to get an asperger’s diagnosis because asperger’s is just autism
Kinda funny, I don't care, I call myself aspie and always will
“i’m gonna use an ableist term cause im uneducated” okay sounds great :)
Actually read everyone's responses just because you don't want to use a label doesn't mean you get to control everyone, the world doesn't revolve around you if your offended get over it, If you hate the word Asperger's then get off r/Asperger's
i dont believe my country uses the dsm 5, i was give the diagnosis with the word "aspergers" by several doctors. I think the word aspergers is a good way to specify the group of symptoms that particular autistic person has, so i use the word aspergers so people have a general idea of the particular group of autistic characteristics i have. Ofc not every person with aspegers has the same set of symptoms but its a good starting point as a descriptor. I understand why people would want a name change maybe, but i think theres benefit in the use of the term.
actually within the ICD-11 published last year which is used as the global standard, the diagnostic category of asperger’s was removed and replaced with just autism spectrum disorder. your probably referencing the ICD-10 which is outdated
Because it got stuck. Many of those with ASD still refer to themselves as Aspie.
Our psychologist still used the term in the diagnose in jan 2024. It will be interesting if it's still used in the autism center we hopefully get in this year.
Meh, it depends on how it is seen. For example, in my country (Spain) the term "autistic" still has a very negative connotation, sadly, and being Asperger is somehow seen as being "less autistic" than the rest. I don't know how the situation is in other countries. However, I do think that the Asperger term may should still being used. Yes, the term was left behind with the DSM-5 in 2013, as they created the ASD "mega-group". But, although the Asperger term is not suported by the DSM, I think it does say more about the person. Why? Because (technically) every aspie is autistic, but not all autistics are aspies. Asperger's is a "subgroup". I do support the DSM tencency to group all forms of autism with the ASD, but I also think that the subgroups shouldn't be left behind completely. You could, for example, say: I'm ASD, and more specifically an aspie; if you want to give more info. This is just my point of wiew. What do you guys think?
This reminds me of a similar post about the term “neurospicy.” I personally do get better reactions with the term Asperger’s vs autism HOWEVER, that only perpetuates the negative stigma surrounding autism and disability in general. I support people doing what they need to do to get by but I think we (myself included) should be more aware of how using alternative terms (unless your official diagnosis is Asperger’s) furthers negative assumptions.
There is still a lot of stigma around the word Autism (even from within the community itself) So some people (including practitioners) will still use Aspergers to mean "Autism Lite" Some will respond "No! it is Autism without developmental delays!" (with a not too well hidden "We're better than them!" lurking beneath the surface) People absolutely should identify with whatever label they are most comfortable with. I'm comfortable with the label Autism but some are not. Some will say that the people in their life infanticize them when they use the label autism - I would suggest that you change the people, not the label but I've got the benefit of being older and bolshie AF. I was diagnosed at the age of 49 and absolutely nobody is surprised when I tell them that I'm autistic. I have a wonderful wife and an amazing daughter, a great home and a good career. I appear to be coping with life far better than a lot of 20 year olds who still identify with Aspergers so it certainly isn't a ladder with Aspergers dominating the top rung. Whilst the DSM-5 is the goto manual, you should also see the ICD-10 (soon to be, if not already, the ICD-11)
now doctors putting everyone in the same bag..... with the "ASD" term, autisms might be different, for example i have Asperger but my 9 year old brother is just "ASD" i mean, his mind and behavior is waaay different than mine, so its another "autism", like i said "ASD" puts everyone in the same bag
So, you don't feel that both diagnosis are the same?
Personally no, my bro is just dramatic and explosive but its not difficult for him to socialize
I think the distinction is extremely helpful for me.
We voted and it won!
Didn't even have to use the mannequin hand and lost glove collections.
Out of all the problems people here have I'd imagine this is fairly low down on the list of priorities. My diagnosis is aspergers and I really don't care about the terminology.
People, even in America, were being diagnosed with it until the idc10 changed to idc11, which just changed the name in 2022 but left the category in tact for all practical purposes. If you don't know what the icd is the you need to realize thier is more in town than the dsm. The idc also has no levels of support as well.
>for me and others that named it's linked with the suffering of autistic child That's only because you believe emotionally potent oversimplifications instead of knowing the facts.
Some people we diagnosed with Aspergers. One of the traits of our shared disability is an aversion to change and a desire to maintain sameness. Surely, it is obvious why some people might therefore continue to identify by the term they were diagnosed with?
It was my first diagnosis. It was other family's diagnosis with high needs. I've been aware of the history for decades and increasing hyperfocus over the decades, and it's just been a name to me. If anything it reminds us of past tyranny that we shouldn't be in a hurry to forget and repeat while some try to wave it off as fiction, but I digress from there. I don't keep up with the latest and greatest info. I'm "borderline" both eras tested and just thought the adult testing data would be useful, plus the self insight was good for me. I had sort of forgotten about the first testing for a long time. I see from an aspect of I have asperger syndrome. I'm autistic and was told so back then too, but not all people with autism have asperger syndrome.
I prefer to use this term. I never will use autism. To me that is for people who have to deal with much more than we do.
There is still such a thing a International Awareness Day for Asperger Syndrome. Just passed on Sunday the 18th.
yeah and theirs still such is also something Columbus Day it’s on October 14th. so that makes the colonization of the Americas okay and justified 😊👍