'we are all on the spectrum'

As a scientist I would assert that all spectra are linear, I'm especially aware of this as I worked in mass spectrometry. What is shown visually as an 'autistic spectrum' is in fact an 'autistic colour wheel'. This is a valid way of looking at autism, but it is not a spectrum. I think that if psychologists were more accurate in their use of 'physical science' terms they would have called autism something like  'Autism Continuum Condition'.

Interestingly, recent research is pointing to two genetic inputs into autism. Firstly, numerous small genetic variants close to specific genes that have been associated with autism. These small variations are very common in the population at large. Secondly, smaller numbers of larger genetic change variants close to genes associated with autism. These larger variations are much, much rarer in the general population.

For the type of autism primarily caused by the common genetic variants, the entire population has these variants and it is only a higher than average concentration of them that causes clinical autism. In this case then it could be reasonably claimed that 'everyone is on the spectrum'.

You could also claim that everyone feels a bit depressed sometimes, doesn't mean everyone has depression.

You could say that about anything in life really, doesn't mean everyone has a diagnose-able condition.

The statement hugely invalidates autistic people's struggles  

You could also claim that everyone feels a bit depressed sometimes, doesn't mean everyone has depression.

You could say that about anything in life really, doesn't mean everyone has a diagnose-able condition.

The statement hugely invalidates autistic people's struggles  

I agree to agree on this

Deepthought said:

It is important that this happens.

miaxx said:

Well, agree to disagree.

Maybe learn to treat this subject like as if being a three dimensional cuboid block where each person is discussing which side of it they are looking at it from ~ rather than as if arguing and having to agree or disagree that it is either square or rectangle shaped.

miaxx said:

To me, it's very invalidating and I'm allowed to feel that way.

In the context you mean the statement seems more 'discriminatory' ~ rather than 'invalidating', as that would defeat the purpose of non-autistic people using it to reduce the significance of our struggles so as to further normalise the significance of their own ~ as seeming to be more important, being that most people are either unconsciously, subconsciously or preconsciously suffering from Stockholm Syndrome, as involves socially fostered and personally adopted philosophies for competitively repressing and oppressing each other consciously, otherwise known as 'normalised abuse'.

So it is neither a case then of being allowed or disallowed to feel as you do about the subjective way the objective statement is misused and misinterpreted ~ given that before all else you feel singularly what you feel and everyone else likewise feels singularly what they feel, as stimulated us to come to terms with our then present feelings and previously intellectualised emotions on the matter ~ and thus we typed linguistic representations of which on this 'discussion' forum website.

I mean if you had not been allowed to feel the way that you do about this subject ~ you would not have started this thread, and none of it would have been read, felt, thought or written about, or discussed elsewhere. It is important that this happens.

It depends on context. If someone, who is uninformed, says "We are all on the spectrum", in order to minimise the difficulties of one or more autistic people, then it is inappropriate and damaging usage. Used by someone who is making a valid point about how clinical diagnoses somewhat artificially separate a continuum of human variation into  'significant' and 'insignificant' cases, then it is quite valid.

Like most aspects of human interaction, context is everything.

Well, agree to disagree. To me, it's very invalidating and I'm allowed to feel that way.

Totally agree with you too

miaxx said:

The statement hugely invalidates autistic people's struggles  

Not in the least. Having autistic traits is a little like having vision problems, at a certain point the vision problems are severe enough for a person to be registered as sight impaired. That people exist who have vision problems that are not severe enough to be registered, does not invalidate the problems of people who are. In exactly the same manner, the existence of people who have autistic traits not severe enough for them to be given an ASC diagnosis does not invalidate the problems of those who have a diagnosis. You must be able to see the logic here. There are not two completely separate populations one entirely autistic, the other entirely allistic and never the twain shall meet. Complex neurodevelopmental conditions do not work like that. 

Seriously could not agree more with this statement! Absolutely hate when people say stuff like oh I have an anxiety disorder because I got anxious ♂️ No just no! I have an anxiety disorder and I haven't been able to go out my house for over 2 years! I don't know this world confuses me

Sorry didn't mean to hijack your post and moan