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Why is Autism considerd a disorder?

James19932024

i may have been asked already, but why is Autism considerd a disorder / condition? to me at least, a disorder, is something to do with mental health. instead of a disorder / condition, its an advantage because we're able to see and expereince things that other cannot

  • It helps to look at the definitions of what a disorder actually is:

    https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/disorder

    A disturbance of function, structure, or both, resulting from a genetic or embryonic failure in development

    Our brains failed to develop in the way neurotypicals do, resulting in persistent challenges with social communication, restricted interests and repetitive behavior amongst other symptoms.

    It is a medical term for it but I understand a lot of people dislike these as they sometimes perceive negative connotations to them and want to have something more comforting to use as a label.

    To qote Bill, "a rose by any other name would smell as sweet" - i.e. call it what you will but it remains the same thing unfortunately.

  • Autism is a neuro developmental disorder and also a disability. Some people are only mildly disabled, others - strongly. There are autistic people, who can not use internet themselves, who are not able to post here for example, and only their carers can do it. In my case long time ago I had thoughts like I’m a little bit disabled, because I was unable to interact with others like they do, I can’t stand up for myself, I can’t plan complex tasks/ activities, I’m easy to be manipulated or lied to, I struggle to take care of myself (book doctor appointments, buy clothes or other staff that is needed for home, I can’t rent a flat by myself, make driver license and the list goes on) I can cook, clean at home, I made showering my routine, so to someone from outside I might not look like I have such struggles in life. But there are people who need assistance in bathrooms and they have this diagnosis. So I would be very careful saying that autism is not a disorder. Despite having some deficits I managed to get married and find a job, in fact I’m underemployed, but I know that I just can’t find anything better and I’m happy and appreciate, what and who I have in my life. I often feel like my life is too much for me and I’m living in my own inner world. 

  • I agree. It should be considered a neurological type only.

    The deficits felt come from society being set up for a different neurotype.

    Is veganism a disorder?

  • A disorder is any “abnormality” that has a negative effect on us.

    Autism has utterly ruined my life so it certainly qualifies as a disorder as far as I’m concerned.