Published on 12, July, 2020
So I really feel that the term Asperger's, although dropped for valid reasons, served a very real function within the community.
I of course understand why the grouping exists. But from a social stigma pov, I find it limiting to consider myself, who is fortunate to be a very adept and able high-functioning person, in the same category of autism as those who sadly are much less well functioning.
I'm sure it won't be popular to say it, but I feel I would certainly benefit from being considered an Aspie instead.
I'm interested to here why other people think about this?
I'm happy with the word autism as it is. Even tho no professional has given me the approval that I'm autistic, I still identity as one and I don't want to add a side note to the word autistic that implies that "I'm one of those fortunate ones", "mine isn't so bad".
I care about people's awareness of minorities and neurodiversity and about defying stereotypes as much as I care about my own benefit.
it's time that people get used to differences, it's time that they get used to diversity and it's time to let go of stereotypes. It's time for everyone to feel included. It's time for autistic people and other minorities to stop going through painful experiences of exclusion. I don't want to exclude those who are less fortunate even more than they already are. I don't want to be part of what brings me the most pain.
I don't want to add a side note to the word autistic that implies that "I'm one of those fortunate ones", "mine isn't so bad".
Actually this too. ^ It's a fair point.I recal someone once asked me after I explained I may have some issues because I'm autistic "but you're high functioning right?" and I dunno what they expected me to say, did they expect me to say "oh no I'm not like those OTHER autistcs" because what the heck? So I also don't like the tone it sets with some people as if they think there are "better" and "worse" autists or something which I think is part of the ableism we encounter where supposedly our worth is tied to our productivity and how well we fit in with the NT world.