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"We're all on the spectrum"!

S

supernova

Well-Known Member
In the UK this is being said increasingly by people who are certainly NOT on the spectrum. What they appear to be implying is that those diagnosed with AS as adults have kind of jumped on the autistic 'band-wagon" and really are no different from neurotypicals.

When I received my diagnosis I told a very few friends and relatives thinking it would explain some of my oddities. Only one wasn't surprised and was supportive, the others said variants of "Well, I do that!" or "Lots of people have that problem!" and there's not a lot what can say in response to that.
 
Aside from the ridiculousness where people claim "I do that" one can actually wonder what causes an increase in people on the spectrum in general. Evergrowing demands society has would be a good starting point. Where the focus lies on being a team player, etc. Still that doesn't mean everyone who has the slightest signs of "I do that as well" to be on the spectrum. There's a broad variety of factors.

That being said; whilst I"m not from the UK, I am diagnosed as an adult and according to a few psychologists, my diagnosis was a valid explanation why my life turned out the way it was. And if anything, in this day and age, we want an explanation to dump these "responsibilities".

I always find it baffling to hear from people that claim AS, but have no actual medical records to back it up, that they're thinking getting diagnosed is easy and you just have to meet a few basic requirements. I know for one, that for my diagnosis, there actually was an interview with my parents to see how I held up as a child, since that's important as well. I also think that because information is so easily avaiable; you can find the criteria according to the DSM on wikipedia, people are more inclined to fit a certain disorder easily, since it comes down to (over)acting a lot more.

The problem in general with mental disorders as such still remains that you can't see it and even experts have, in a lot of cases, just have to take your word on it (and use that information with test results). You can't x-ray most disorders like that; though looking at that video with Temple Grandin a while ago, apparently the autistic brain can be seen from scans. Perhaps that's the next thing they should do... it would surely put all these people that claim they're a bit weird and therefore have AS in their place... unless they're really stubborn, but by then it's like claiming you have a broken leg, while an x-ray shows no fractures what so ever. That kind of ignorance is better ignored
 
I have aspergers and am from the uk them people who say i do that or ignorant out of sight out of mind. I AM PROUD OF WHO I AM AND WHAT I HAVE AND THATS THE ABILITY TO DEAL WITH ignorance
 
I think that as grown ups who get diagnosed it can be hard for others in your life to accept that what they have grown accustomed to as your behavior is not just quirky. People tell me all the time that...well I always knew something was off about you I just didn't realize you were autistic...well in the classic autistic sense of the word I'm not. I have Asperger's and NVLD with a cognitive processing issue. So yah there is something off about me so what. Now I do see people watch tv and be like hey that's me...and maybe a few of those actually do have the disorder and are in my age category and its valid a lot of females in my age group on up never had the chance to be properly diagnosed. It just wasn't done for girls. Do we all have AS or Autism...probably not. Do we all have degrees of disorder yah we all do...it is always about functionality. Can you function, is the symptoms impeding your life.
 
A disturbing aspect to me is that some people who are definitely on the spectrum support the idea that everyone (including NTs) are on it too - even if only slightly. They argue that this will help to get rid of prejudice and bullying but I don't see it. In fact it could well make things worse since at the present time autism/AS is not something that can be tested scientifically and if we say we can't cope with ceertain things or certain situations how much understanding would we get if "everyone is on the spectrum"?
 
My family pretends I don't have it, rather that I'm just "screwed up." They don't want the stigma of an Autistic Spectrum family member.
 
I struggle with that one i put it down to ignorance you are who you are and no one can take that away from you stay strong
 
HelloDizzy said:
My family pretends I don't have it, rather that I'm just "screwed up." They don't want the stigma of an Autistic Spectrum family member.
Click to expand...

But the stigma of having "screwed up" or perhaps even crazy (I'm not accusing you as such) family members seems ok?
 
To me there appears to be a significant lack of understanding of aspergers and HFA in public (and sometimes even professional) perception. I recall once dropping in on an online discussion about whether Einstein was on the spectrum or not and people were stating that it was like wishful thinking. Amazingly it was stated that Einstein couldn't be an aspie as he "had a sense of humour and often joked with people." I am quite sure actually that being able to laugh and joke doesn't at all equate to not being on the spectrum. A good friend of mine who was officlally diagnosed with aspergers used to laugh with me so much we would split our sides and, despite his clear lack of confidence and shyness, he did once perform with a rock band on T.V. Which leads me to another point: When I was browsing discussions as to whether Michael Jackson might have had HFA or aspergers (and it's a definite "might") people were coming out with the thought that Michael couldn't have been on the spectrum as he was such a good dancer and aspies are poor on motor skills. Not specifically correct. Yes, we do have motor skills issues but I seem to recollect there is an Australian world surfing champion who has aspergers.
So, yes, there is so much lack of understanding as to what aspergers is. I think if you want to get down to the fundamental issue, genuine aspies are people who have had major major problems throughout their lives, often suffering anxiety, bewilderment and depression. It definitely annoys me a lot when the public draws conclusions but not based on carefully researched fact. And it really irritates me when some people claim aspergers is imagined by people who experience it.


supernova said:
In the UK this is being said increasingly by people who are certainly NOT on the spectrum. What they appear to be implying is that those diagnosed with AS as adults have kind of jumped on the autistic 'band-wagon" and really are no different from neurotypicals.

When I received my diagnosis I told a very few friends and relatives thinking it would explain some of my oddities. Only one wasn't surprised and was supportive, the others said variants of "Well, I do that!" or "Lots of people have that problem!" and there's not a lot what can say in response to that.
Click to expand...
 
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