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Preference of terminology

Oakling

Just a quick question on preference really. In the letter I received confirming my diagnosis the term ASD was used. However, so was autism and reference was made to the previous label of Asperger’s (which I can understand the move away from). I have also seen people use ASC as their preferred terminology. 

My question is this, if you were to disclose your diagnosis to someone, or if you were in conversation discussing autism, what would your preferred term be? Would it be any of those that I mentioned here? 

I tend to use a variety and haven’t really settled on one. I don’t really suppose it matters, but I just wondered where everyone stood on this and what reasons you have behind your choice or choices. I’m also aware that some will prefer to use none of these terms.

This is a question I am grappling with at the moment, so I thought it is something I would put to this community as this is a place that has helped me process and understand each stage I have encountered post diagnosis.

Parents

  • I was diagnosed last year and was surprised that my official diagnosis was Asperger's Syndrome, as I also thought it had been abandoned.

    In terms of telling people, I think every term has disadvantages. I think "autism" sounds scary and off-putting to some people; it makes people think non-verbal and non-functional, and I think I've had people judge my abilities negatively as a result. However, Asperger's is less well-known (which has pros and cons) and I feel uncomfortable using the name of a Nazi sympathiser. It might also possibly lead to people assuming you're a Steve Jobs-type genius, which could also be unfortunate. Often I say something like, "I have high-functioning autism, which used to be called Asperger's Syndrome" which is a mouthful, but covers all the bases. To be honest, choosing the "right" term probably depends most of all on unknowns, particularly the preconceptions the person you're telling has about each term.

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