Published on 12, July, 2020
Why do people say this? We aren't otherwise there would be no need for a diagnosis.
The spectrum isn't linear. It's not most autistic to least autistic.
FFS this kind of thing annoys me so much
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
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.
I agree to agree on this
Deepthought said:It is important that this happens.