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Autism Spectrum Disorder or Austism Spectrum Condition?

Ron Agent 007

Hi Everyone.

I have a question which I would like to start a discussion on and I will give my answer and my reason why I gave that answer.

Would you like the term "Autism Spectrum Disorder" to be changed to "Autism Spectrum Condition"?

The reason I ask that question is because it is a known fact that Autism Spectrum Disorder is a neurological condition and as such, the word "Disorder" I don't think should be used to describe the Autism Spectrum Condition. The term disorder refers to something that is not in the order that people like to accept as being in order because it is different.

Each of us are indiviuals with different biological, chemical and DNA makeups which makes us individuals and autism like ADHD etc. is a neurological condition which simply means our brains and nervous systems are wired differently to others that people refer to as normal. What is normal for one individual is not necersarily normal for the next individual because they have different requirements and needs.

Do you agree with me and do you feel the same way?

Parents

  • To me 'disorder' and 'condition' are merely words, and in their own merit neither is more favourable. In fact, why not do away with either and just call it 'autism spectrum', is there a real need to call it a disorder or a condition or even come up with a word that is more appealing or welcome? 

    I think the problem arises more when it is used in context, when I am talking to someone who is neurotypical, neurodivergent or shares the same neurodivergence. With someone neurotypical, it creates an invisible wall between me and the listener that separates us. We are no longer part of the same group or tribe. In that context, 'disorder' seems the worse option. I can think of many words immediately that start with 'dis' and that feel negative - 'disoriented' 'disease' 'disgust' 'disaster' ... - but I cannot think of a positive one off hand. 'Condition' on the other hand feels more neutral, you can look at it positively or negatively or neutrally, and that's your personal choice. It sounds more natural as well to use negative or positive adjectives with the word 'condition'. You can say 'a favourable condition', 'a challenging condition'. But can you actually say 'a beneficial disorder'? It just doesn't sound right to me, or someone is trying to be sarcastic.

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  • To me 'disorder' and 'condition' are merely words, and in their own merit neither is more favourable. In fact, why not do away with either and just call it 'autism spectrum', is there a real need to call it a disorder or a condition or even come up with a word that is more appealing or welcome? 

    I think the problem arises more when it is used in context, when I am talking to someone who is neurotypical, neurodivergent or shares the same neurodivergence. With someone neurotypical, it creates an invisible wall between me and the listener that separates us. We are no longer part of the same group or tribe. In that context, 'disorder' seems the worse option. I can think of many words immediately that start with 'dis' and that feel negative - 'disoriented' 'disease' 'disgust' 'disaster' ... - but I cannot think of a positive one off hand. 'Condition' on the other hand feels more neutral, you can look at it positively or negatively or neutrally, and that's your personal choice. It sounds more natural as well to use negative or positive adjectives with the word 'condition'. You can say 'a favourable condition', 'a challenging condition'. But can you actually say 'a beneficial disorder'? It just doesn't sound right to me, or someone is trying to be sarcastic.

Children