Anyone else hate the word "aspie".

Post Reply New Topic

I only heard of this awful word since I've bothered to read up on Aspergers on the net.

I can't stand it, anyone else hate it?

I hate it. Ironically I have just used it in a thread title on this forum, but that's because it seems to be the accepted term around here. I prefer the term "autism" rather than "aspergers" and describe myself as having autism or being autistic or having an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) rather than as an aspie.

I would much rather be called an "aspie" than "autistic". An aspie sounds like an eccentric, yet otherwise normal person. The term 'autistic' in most cases apply to people who are mentally challenged and people associate it with Rain Man.

I think that shows your hang ups about autism and "mentally challenged" (although I have no idea what is meant by that) people. I see it as all the same thing and for me, the term aspergers evokes a stereotype I'd prefer not to be associated with.

I like the word aspie. Much prefer it.

I have HFA, and prefer to be called autistic.

I hate it. It sounds like an award that's less prestigious than a golden globe.

"He took home 2 Aspies, one for best outburst in a public place, another for best supporting blank stare."

"Aspie nominated Autist, for his role in "the Numbers We Memorize""

I really like the term. I see it as saying I have quirks but am still overall 'normal' whatever that is and not defined by Asperger's Syndrome (once my diagnosis becomes official that is).

I still can't decide whether to say I have autism (like it's a disease blech) or I'm autistic, so saying I'm Aspie works pretty well. It gives an identity to something otherwise confusing and strange to people. (not saying it IS confusing and strange, just that people often perceive it that way).

Seems like a lot of people hate it, which makes me afraid to use it, but "person with Asperger's" is clunky. I like it because I associate it with the idea of an AS subculture, neurodiversity & pride. I'd rather have our own jargon than just use a clinical label, it fits with the idea of speaking for ourselves.

Although Asperger's IS autism (or ASD in the new DSM) I don't think a lot of people realize that, so simply saying you're autistic is likely to meet with disbelief if you aren't like Rain Man.

If you hate it, what word would you use as a replacement?

I simply say I have Aspergers.

I've hated the word "aspie" since the very first time I heard it.

I'm surprised to see that others feel that way too.

It sounds so frivolous, so childish, so fashionable, so throw-away & temporary, to me.

I prefer ASD or Autism, Aspie is so childish and sounds way too familiarly, almost like a nickname.

I like the word 'aspie' as it doesn't sound as formal as 'Asperger's Syndrome' and it gives a sense of identity and pride to say 'I'm an aspie' rather than 'I have Asperger's Syndrome'...which sounds so much more negative.

I hate that now I'm officially diagnosed as ASD and not Asperger's Syndrome that I can't really call myself an 'aspie'.

I hated it when I first heard it and held off from using it for a long time but it's a lot quicker to type
'aspie' than 'person with Aspergers' and alternatives like 'ASer' might confuse people. I only usually use it when typing as a neutral descriptor; if I use it verbally it's often in a sarcastic context as said out loud it sounds even sillier, like some cute furry animal.