Spectrumite: not so common term on WP

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MyWorld
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14 Apr 2011, 3:39 pm

I've seen the terms "aspie" and "autie' being used a lot, but not "spectrumite." Why isn't used as often since it covers everyone on the spectrum? How often do you use it on WP?

Moog
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14 Apr 2011, 3:47 pm

I might have used it a few times. Why is it not used here so much? Dunno.

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wavefreak58
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14 Apr 2011, 3:50 pm

I think I've used it a few times. I generally just say autistic when referring to the entire spectrum. I suppose technically I should use PDD.

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TenPencePiece
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14 Apr 2011, 3:57 pm

That's an interesting term. It's definately less long-winded than saying "someone on the autistic spectrum".

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14 Apr 2011, 4:42 pm

I should start using it.

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14 Apr 2011, 4:50 pm

An acquaintance told me months ago that she always thought I was "spectrummy."

wavefreak58
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14 Apr 2011, 4:51 pm

Spectrumite sounds like something I could use to blow things up with.

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14 Apr 2011, 5:00 pm

Verdandi wrote:

An acquaintance told me months ago that she always thought I was "spectrummy."

I like to think I'm specyummy

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CanadianRose
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14 Apr 2011, 5:26 pm

This is the first time I have heard the term "spectrumite"

I wouldn't use the term because I have enough trouble explaining autism and aspergers and PDD-NOS to people. At least people have heard the term "autism". There are still many who have not heard the term aspergers or PDD-NOS. Why confuse people more?

I actually don't like the term "spectrumite" as it almost sounds degrading. My son is a person with PDD-NOS. You will note that I use the term "person" first. I have had the pleasure of spending a bit of time with an acquaintance who I learned has mild aspergers. He has some quirks, notably discomfort with eye contact, a little trouble reading complex emotions and trouble following multiple conversations. He also has his own individual personality, likes/dislikes and interests. He is a person with aspergers - not some alien, non-human.

I know we call this community "wrong planet" as if we are different and separate from everyone else - and people on the spectrum have unique characteristics - but we are all members of our neighbourhoods, cities, countries and over all community - I think that this is important to remember.

MyWorld
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14 Apr 2011, 5:28 pm

wavefreak58 wrote:

Spectrumite sounds like something I could use to blow things up with.

MyWorld
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14 Apr 2011, 5:31 pm

CanadianRose wrote:

This is the first time I have heard the term "spectrumite"

I wouldn't use the term because I have enough trouble explaining autism and aspergers and PDD-NOS to people. At least people have heard the term "autism". There are still many who have not heard the term aspergers or PDD-NOS. Why confuse people more?

I actually don't like the term "spectrumite" as it almost sounds degrading. My son is a person with PDD-NOS. You will note that I use the term "person" first. I have had the pleasure of spending a bit of time with an acquaintance who I learned has mild aspergers. He has some quirks, notably discomfort with eye contact, a little trouble reading complex emotions and trouble following multiple conversations. He also has his own individual personality, likes/dislikes and interests. He is a person with aspergers - not some alien, non-human.

I know we call this community "wrong planet" as if we are different and separate from everyone else - and people on the spectrum have unique characteristics - but we are all members of our neighbourhoods, cities, countries and over all community - I think that this is important to remember.

There is a website called Spectrumites.com which is similar to WrongPlanet, but less people. I really don't think its used in degrading sense, but a way to identify those on the spectrum.

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14 Apr 2011, 6:10 pm

An additional problem with the word "spectrumite" is that could apply to "autism spectrum" but also to any other "spectrum" (for example, schizophrenia spectrum).

CanadianRose
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14 Apr 2011, 6:22 pm

MyWorld wrote:

CanadianRose wrote:

This is the first time I have heard the term "spectrumite"

I wouldn't use the term because I have enough trouble explaining autism and aspergers and PDD-NOS to people. At least people have heard the term "autism". There are still many who have not heard the term aspergers or PDD-NOS. Why confuse people more?

I actually don't like the term "spectrumite" as it almost sounds degrading. My son is a person with PDD-NOS. You will note that I use the term "person" first. I have had the pleasure of spending a bit of time with an acquaintance who I learned has mild aspergers. He has some quirks, notably discomfort with eye contact, a little trouble reading complex emotions and trouble following multiple conversations. He also has his own individual personality, likes/dislikes and interests. He is a person with aspergers - not some alien, non-human.

I know we call this community "wrong planet" as if we are different and separate from everyone else - and people on the spectrum have unique characteristics - but we are all members of our neighbourhoods, cities, countries and over all community - I think that this is important to remember.

There is a website called Spectrumites.com which is similar to WrongPlanet, but less people. I really don't think its used in degrading sense, but a way to identify those on the spectrum.

I am sure that the people on Spectrumites.com are using the word in a positive sense. However, if someone called my son a "Spectrumite" I would gently, but firmly advise them that I prefer they not use this word when describing him.

Xeno
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14 Apr 2011, 6:25 pm

Hmm... I haven't heard the term "spectrumite" before, but I think I like it. ^_^

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14 Apr 2011, 8:04 pm

It assumes that people know what spectrum you are referring to.

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