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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.

  • in reply to Autonomistic

    I was diagnosed with ASC, so I have a 'condition' and not a disorder. The use of 'disorder' is really inappropriate for autistics, as we are amongst the most ordered and logical people around. I generally say that I am autistic.

  • in reply to Autonomistic
    Autonomistic said:
    My official diagnosis was ASD. I was told at the time that Asperger's was no longer given as a diagnosis, but that I would likely have received that if I'd been assessed before the terminology changed.

    This is similar to me I believe. And I can also entirely understand your view on the word ‘disorder’. I agree.

    Autonomistic said:
    When I think about it I also don't like the word spectrum. I think that is very misunderstood and is likely to attract a comment along the lines of "well everyone is somewhere on the spectrum" 

    This is a saying that frustrates me greatly. I think it feels like all of my experiences up to that point are being simplified and brushed aside. It gives me the impression that that person is seeing it as ‘everyone is on the spectrum somewhere’, so therefore it’s just me being ridiculous and not being able to handle what everyone else can. 

  • My preference is to say I'm autistic.

    My official diagnosis was ASD. I was told at the time that Asperger's was no longer given as a diagnosis, but that I would likely have received that if I'd been assessed before the terminology changed.

    I don't like the word disorder either, as it implies something that is wrong or needs curing.

    When I think about it I also don't like the word spectrum. I think that is very misunderstood and is likely to attract a comment along the lines of "well everyone is somewhere on the spectrum" Zipper mouth

    So that only leaves one word out of ASD that I don't actively dislike, Autism. 

  • in reply to Roy

    Thank you for this. Your concern over the word disorder is one I’ve been wondering about too. That’s why I’m leaning more towards just saying that I’m autistic. It’s nice to hear another preference though, so, cheers.

  • Hi, I tend not to say that I have autism, I just say I’m autistic. I don’t really like the word disorder as it makes me sound like a broken down car and in some way faulty. I am warming more to the word condition as I feel it more fitting. Only my preference, I imagine many other people describe themselves differently.

  • in reply to Catlover

    Thank you for your reply. I feel like I tend to say I’m autistic more than anything else. I’m starting to talk about autism more and more, so it’s nice to see how others describe themselves.

  • I just say I have Autism, or I am Autistic.