rowan_nichol wrote:
I will go with Simon Baron Cohen with "Condition" as a neutral starting term. There are parts which can become strengths and it would be a shame to pathologise them.
Disability. Other contributors have given accounts of the way parts of their profile stand in the way of a full life; employment, ability to live independently, obstructions to finding fulfilling relations with others. That term is needed as well. It is that important key word needed for access of adjustments, financial assistance, access to suitable housing, etc.
Disorder ? I am most ambivalent to this one. Again it is one of those key words with a particular meaning, in particular regarding inclusion in reference documentation such as the DSM and ICD. Don't like it personally - implies being not to spec or broken in the way condition does not, but then the criteria in such reference books are around the judgement calls on whether the effects of the condition are severe enough to disable the person and require support measures.
Actually, pretty much agree.
On a purely emotional level "condition" is the best because it's neutral. Dandruff is a "condition".
But for practical reasons I welcome "disability" because I could, if needed, get assistance from the govt. etc, in employment etc. for having it as a label. And even emotionally its not THAT bad. It is kinda accurate without being overly insulting. In contrast to what someone said above "disability" does not imply "all or nothing" to me. Its doesn't necessarily mean that you need 24-7 care. There can be gradations in disability.
"Disorder" on the other hand, is a bit much. Applied to a neurological condition (mental disorder) it implies that your head is scrambled. That's a bit much.