Is it ok to tell people I have Asperger's?

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Seldovia
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14 Apr 2019, 2:56 am

I was diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, but I find it easier to tell people I have Asperger's rather than explaining it's just "mild autism". Is this ethical since the diagnosis of Asperger's was dropped?


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BTDT
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14 Apr 2019, 4:51 am

Of course not. It is preferable to use words people understand.



AceofPens
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14 Apr 2019, 9:43 am

I'm sure it's fine. I use the term Aspergers when explaining my issues to people - my doctor said that if the label still existed, I'd probably have received it instead of ASD, anyway. A lot of awareness has been spread for "Aspergers Syndrome," while "mild autism" it still an oxymoron in most laypeople's minds. If it makes things easier for you, go ahead. It's not like it hurts anyone.


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AnonymousAnonymous
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14 Apr 2019, 5:45 pm

Absolutely, just be mindful of the fact that many people do look down upon people on the spectrum as inferior to those who are not.


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14 Apr 2019, 5:53 pm

I use Aspergers. It's easier for others to understand.


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shortfatbalduglyman
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14 Apr 2019, 7:27 pm

Seriously suspect there is no good method of disclosure

Some won't understand

Some won't believe

My diagnosis is Asperger's (2003)

But I tell lil dipshits it's autism

But almost nobody has been receptive



The ones receptive did not care or they were professional counselors



:roll:



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15 Apr 2019, 3:16 am

I tell them I have Aspergers. "Autism Level 1" sounds too scientific and vague I think. Aspergers is a little more well known.

I wonder if people who have used both terms to different people have found a different reaction to using "Autism" VS "Aspergers?"



rowan_nichol
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15 Apr 2019, 5:33 am

I use both terms. While no longer in current use, Aspergers is understood as a useful term covering the spread of the Autistic traits which are part of me.

I will use Autistic as well as part of helping inform the world at large that autism is a spectrum of many different presentations and spreads of traits and requirements for support.



rowan_nichol
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15 Apr 2019, 5:59 am

I use both terms. While no longer in current use, Aspergers is understood as a useful term covering the spread of the Autistic traits which are part of me.

I will use Autistic as well as part of helping inform the world at large that autism is a spectrum of many different presentations and spreads of traits and requirements for support.



KingExplosionMurder
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15 Apr 2019, 10:59 am

When talking about it online i'll say I'm autistic, but if I were to explain it to a family member or teacher I'd probably say Asperger's because it's more familiar to people who don't know much about it. I don't see a problem with doing such, especially since the psychiatrist I saw said I fit the "classic Asperger's criteria" despite it not being a diagnosis anymore. So yeah. It's totally fine to tell people you're an aspie rather than "level 1 autistic." Whatever you're comfortable with is what you should identify as.