Individual spectrum for AS

[DogwoodTree]

I thought this article explained AS traits in a really interesting, creative way...hadn't seen it described this way before:

http://hedgehogs.odj.me/post/47905937959/edit-240414-whoah-this-is-still-getting

"You can mix the wavelengths together at different intensities. There’s a lot of ways of combining colours.

Which essentially what the autism spectrum REALLY is. Which is why labels like “high functioning” and “severely autistic” are dumb labels. Just because one autie excels at public speaking doesn’t make them unanimously “high functioning”. Conversely, I know of nonverbal auties who are masters of writing. To tell someone with a vibrant imagination, intense emotions, passionate interests and brilliant intellect that they’re “low-functioning” because they don’t vocalize their thoughts out loud is a massive insult. To refuse someone’s pleas of help because they’re “too high functioning” is also a ****** thing to do (I’m looking at you, ATOS)."

 

[Warmheart]

Uneven skill sets. We has 'em.

Rather than being a linear spectrum, ASD is more like a sundae bar, with us each getting some of this, and a lot of that.

It's very common to have someone autistic who's brilliant as a talented writer and non verbal,
as well as for there to be an autistic who can do public speaking but not be able to sit in a doctor's crowded waiting room without a bolting/wandering incident. (Hey! I resemble that remark.)

Functioning labels aren't used as often anymore, because a Supports Intensity Scale (SIS) is used instead to evaluate level of supports for many various things. The SIS assessment was a torturous 3-hour assessment which must include several people from one's own life to add input to yours. More areas are using the SIS to custom tailor supports, rather than blanket functioning labels.

When called "low functioning," our strengths are often ignored. When called "high functioning," our need for supports gets ignored.

I just like to be called by my name.