This is the link to the article. http://www.twincities.com/health/ci_14381266
I don't completely disagree with the article but I felt like both sides could have been explained better.
Dear editor,
First of all I'd like to say that scientifically speaking I understand and perhaps even agree with the logic in redefining Asperger's and autism into autism spectrum disorders. On the other hand I know from personal experience that Aspie's have strong identifying ties with the term Asperger's. Now typically I'm not all that partial to the idea that our identity is found in our labels but after growing to know one of my best friends who happens to have Asperger's I've seen how the label has acted as a median for him to help people around him understand him. In my friend's strange combobulation of loving to meet new people and his social awkwardness and anxiety (and frankly social ineptitude, but I still love him lol) he has always been very, very open (I think he enjoys it) about his "disease" as he calls it. This helped me and those around him have some understanding of him before we had too many preconceived about him. I guess what I am trying to get at is why does it have to be one or the other. Scientific jargon and common social language have always had differences. Why can't they have mild autism on paper and Asperger's when identifying them in social situations. I understand this is somewhat of an oversimplification and that there may be certain hurdles that arise but I am somewhat saddened that it does seem that it has even been considered as an option.
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Gotta love a news article that ends with "Hellelujah!"......
ReplyDeleteI think maybe you mean medium and not median about half-way through?...and maybe I'd take out the "lol" but I enjoy your pointing out that the complaints of the "Aspies" really DO have to do with how they identify socially, as opposed to what is written on their medical chart. That's an intersting thought--will they *really* lose that term? I suppose the question will be for people being diagnosed in the future, will they even learn of Asperger's Syndrome....
just a few thoughts. good luck!
Thanks! yes I did mean medium and I will try to make it a little more formal for the final copy
ReplyDeleteI have Asperger's syndrome. I've never had a job or a relationship and am very socially isolated; being an aspie is my only identity and now it is being taken away from me - yet another example of me being shunned and excluded.
ReplyDeleteThere are many more reasons for my not agreeing with the re-classification of Asperger's as mild autism; my concerns cover the areas of funding, social security benefits and legal issues...I doubt that many people have even taken these issues into account. It seems to me that the change of status has been enacted merely for the benefit of medical professionals.