Lifestyle choice

leveller61 said:

I would have needed the easy-read prospectus and my ability to consent may not have passed ethical thresholds... 

I think it strongly influences and affects the type of life you lead. But it is more than a lifestyle choice.

You end up doing things, or not doing them, because it is too hard or costly, or mentally draining not to. Can you override some things some of the time, yes, but not all the time. This is where it might appear a choice from the outside. But being overloaded, confused, or struggling is not a choice.

Orangegnome said:

It’s not an illness or a disorder of course

This is an interesting subject as ASD literally has Disorder as the third letter.

It is classed as a disorder in the DSM5 (and DSM5-TR) and meets the criteria of the medical definition of disorder ( https://medical-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/disorder : A condition characterized by lack of normal functioning of physical or mental processes).

I realise that some people are uncomfortable with the word because of it suggests there is something wrong with them, but that is down to their interpretation rather than the meaning of the word.

I'm on the fence about the use of the word but to state it is false seems premature at best.

Can you explain how you reached your understanding of the term please?

soboiceland said:

He is allowed to have his own individual opinion.

He can, but it's contrary to current medical opinion. If you want to run with that, it's your choice, just as it is his.

soboiceland said:

I, for one, do not believe my autism is genetic.

I doubt you'll find anyone here who has that opinion about autism, nor is it the stance taken by the organisation that runs this forum.

What a thought, B! I would have needed the easy-read prospectus and my ability to consent may not have passed ethical thresholds... 

I wish just thinking the same thing....err.....NOPE.

No, it isn't.

https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism

www.autism.org.uk/.../what-causes-autism

Yep. Born this way. 

He is allowed to have his own individual opinion. Psychiatrists don't all think the same. They are humans trained to perform. They can diagnose and follow the criteria whilst not believing it is genetic personally. 

I, for one, do not believe my autism is genetic. I believe I am someone who was not socialised effectively into society.

soboiceland said:

5:23 - It's a lifestyle choice/ preference

It is concerning that this Dr is seen as fit to provide a clinical diagnosis of autism with this belief.

I wonder if the GMC is aware.

It is quite contrary to the accepted medical standard for autism.

'Autism is a difference in how your brain develops that affects how you see and experience the world. It is often called a type of neurodivergence.'

https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/what-is-autism/

'Autism is genetic. You’re born autistic and you’re autistic for life.'

www.autism.org.uk/.../autism-is-genetic-and-why-this-information-matters-now

That's your experience. I understand that. 
In my case, I do choose my communication style and repetitive behaviours.

3:22 - he says it's not an illness
3:30 - he says it's not a disorder
3:37 - he says it's a super intelligence
4:20 - he disagrees that it's a disabling condition (I disagree with him here)
5:23 - It's a lifestyle choice/ preference

 But I don’t choose to be this way. 

It's all very individual.

I don’t agree it’s a lifestyle choice. I don’t choose to physically hurt inside my head when I hear certain noises or make eye contact with someone for too long. I don’t choose to not be able to speak when things are overwhelming me. 

soboiceland said:

I agree with him. Autism is a lifestyle choice and preferences.

Where in the video does he say this and how can he diagnose autism with this belief?

www.health-private.co.uk/

A diagnosis is clinical and the opposite of a 'lifestyle choice'.

Possibly. But I don't think he is wrong in his opinion that autism is a lifestyle choice and a set of preferences. I really relate to that. I think I refuse to engage in small talk and prefer to think before I speak etc. 

Orangegnome said:

Could he be part of the group of people recently saying it is over diagnosed? 

Could he be part of the group of people recently saying it is over diagnosed? 

What has diagnosing autism got to do with my post and questions asked?