Sure there is a material difference. Autism is the preamble, while Asperger is the subconcept. So I dont know what diagnosis you have, but if you have been scientific diagnosed with asperger, then you have been scientific confirmed to have a form of autism. And if you dont agree with the doctors that diagnosed you its ok, but to say: "Oh yes, I have been diagnosed with asperger, which is according to the medicinal knowledge, the scientific experts and the doctor that diagnosed me an form of autism. But I dont like the autism part, so I only accept the part of my diagnosis I like." is strange. Yeah, and I am short sighted, but I am not viusally impaired. Oh, and as a child , I broke my leg, but I disagree with the part of the doctors report, where the doctor tells me, that this would be an bone fracture.
And to say, that it was surely in the family or in the spectrum, but there would be material differences is if you would say: "So sure a Ford Escort is part of the "Car"-family. But there are material differences."
I am whondering if you ever read your own diagnosis criteria? In europe its the ICD so I thought the problem may be an misunderstanding because of an inaccurate part in the DSM diagnosis criteria. But no, after reading it, where is the material difference?
Quote:
[The following is from Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders: DSM IV]
(I) A total of six (or more) items from (A), (B), and (C), with at least two from (A), and one each from (B) and (C)
(A) qualitative impairment in social interaction, as manifested by at least two of the following:
1. marked impairments in the use of multiple nonverbal behaviors such as eye-to-eye gaze, facial expression, body posture, and gestures to regulate social interaction
2. failure to develop peer relationships appropriate to developmental level
3. a lack of spontaneous seeking to share enjoyment, interests, or achievements with other people, (e.g., by a lack of showing, bringing, or pointing out objects of interest to other people)
4. lack of social or emotional reciprocity ( note: in the description, it gives the following as examples: not actively participating in simple social play or games, preferring solitary activities, or involving others in activities only as tools or "mechanical" aids )
(B) qualitative impairments in communication as manifested by at least one of the following:
1. delay in, or total lack of, the development of spoken language (not accompanied by an attempt to compensate through alternative modes of communication such as gesture or mime)
2. in individuals with adequate speech, marked impairment in the ability to initiate or sustain a conversation with others
3. stereotyped and repetitive use of language or idiosyncratic language
4. lack of varied, spontaneous make-believe play or social imitative play appropriate to developmental level
(C) restricted repetitive and stereotyped patterns of behavior, interests and activities, as manifested by at least two of the following:
1. encompassing preoccupation with one or more stereotyped and restricted patterns of interest that is abnormal either in intensity or focus
2. apparently inflexible adherence to specific, nonfunctional routines or rituals
3. stereotyped and repetitive motor mannerisms (e.g hand or finger flapping or twisting, or complex whole-body movements)
4. persistent preoccupation with parts of objects
(II) Delays or abnormal functioning in at least one of the following areas, with onset prior to age 3 years:
(A) social interaction
(B) language as used in social communication
(C) symbolic or imaginative play
(III) The disturbance is not better accounted for by Rett's Disorder or Childhood Disintegrative Disorder
I´d subscribe easily I: A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, C1, C2; II: A, B, C, so please tell me, where should be the great difference?
In europe Asperger is diagnosed in centres specialised on autism. I dont want to say, that this was better or whatever, but because of that you normally have people with all kinds of autism in the self-help groups and forums. So I am really whondering when it comes that some of you mention that "...it can be clearly told, which people have autism...." Sorry, but these are worst prejudices and it really bothers me, that they come from people who should know themselfs how wrong prejudices are. And what massive sort of nonsense people, who are not willing to inform themselfs, think about Asperger. It seems to me, that "Autism" means to you: "Sitting drooling in a corner, throwing a ball against the wall the whole day and unable to think." Thats complete nonsense because its the worst case scenario. Its as if I would only count blind people as visually impaired. And between this there are lots of people, starting with the ones who are physically diabled but because of their organisation, and material helps dont really stand out as long as they can continue their routines. And when it comes to forums, they dont stand out at all, so nearly 90% of the peopöe of an autism specialised forum could start to write here for fun, and you wouldnt even notice it. And the problems they mention are the same, its just harder for them. While i freak out after the 15th unnecessary change of the day, some quit at the second. While I am only disturbed if something is not as it should be, for others its a catastrophe and so on... But the problems are the same, just the amount is different.
And what I am really whondering: If there is nothing on you, that would match into the autism diagnosis criteria: What sort of problems DO you have? (No its not ment offending, but I was really interested what people with "american" Asperger diagnosis, that reject to have any problems that are usually related to autism, do have for problems or symptoms instead. When it comes to "material differences" to the above listed autism diagnostic criteria according to DSM, what symptoms or problems do you have instead? And where is the border to "normally" shy or introverted NTs?
22 Jan 2013, 9:26 am
