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why is everybody Aspergers today?

clover

20 years ago I  usually met autistic children from the most disabled end of the  spectrum .My son didn't quite fit in ...he had language  and the challenges he presented were lessened by this. Now I meet ,well, usually the more able group ! Is it in this  area  the "autistic epidemic" is increasing numbers  most rapidly ? Where is everyone else?

I am glad that the needs of the  more able /Aspergers group is being understood and recognised but I have a problem......my adult autistic son  who is mildly learning disabled and autistic is now automatically assumed amongst their number and he isn't!!!!! Aspie drop-in centres etc aimed at vocal, outward going young able people are not for him ...he doesn't play complex computer games ,or wish for a friend among his own age group. He likes the world of the learning disabled (with autism specific support ,to slot him in).This seems difficult for some(unfortunately, including occassionally  those  who have the  "key" to resources) to understand.  I am left wondering if Aspergers is now the "face and voice" of autism.

Parents

  • Yes, the problem I am experiencing is related to the way the knowledge and understanding of the autistic spectrum condition developed over time.  It seems to me that the more disabled group were the first to be identified and their disabilities (or “clearly identified disabled perspective”..) became synonymous with the term autistic .Later the condition was observed to include  some new people...the able autistic/Aspergers group .No problem so far! Then this new autistic sub group grew quickly in number and energetically sought a high public profile to correct their previous neglect and misinterpretation. This resulted in the situation being reversed....their  difficulties ,needs and characteristics have seemed to become the defining criteria of all people with an autistic condition who live in the community .So it is assumed that all autistic people who catch buses, read newspapers, and speak must be  Aspergers and have an ability to live a more or less normal life with the minimum of support . Not a useful confusion!

Reply

  • Yes, the problem I am experiencing is related to the way the knowledge and understanding of the autistic spectrum condition developed over time.  It seems to me that the more disabled group were the first to be identified and their disabilities (or “clearly identified disabled perspective”..) became synonymous with the term autistic .Later the condition was observed to include  some new people...the able autistic/Aspergers group .No problem so far! Then this new autistic sub group grew quickly in number and energetically sought a high public profile to correct their previous neglect and misinterpretation. This resulted in the situation being reversed....their  difficulties ,needs and characteristics have seemed to become the defining criteria of all people with an autistic condition who live in the community .So it is assumed that all autistic people who catch buses, read newspapers, and speak must be  Aspergers and have an ability to live a more or less normal life with the minimum of support . Not a useful confusion!

Children
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