School IEP meeting says im on the spectrum but not autistic

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Basically that said I am on the autism spectrum but I'm not autistic. I'm not sure exactly why they said this but they said because real autistic people have cognitive impairments and cannot speak or cannot speak well and have problems with social skills.

What the f**k? So you're on the autistic spectrum... but not autistic? That's just contradicting, I don't get it.

"real autistic people" What so people with Aspergers and pdd-nos are not "real" nor show (some) symptoms that you mentioned above. I'm sorry whom ever said that perhaps doesn't know about ASD it's a spectrum disorder one person whom is autistic may not show symptoms of xyz where as the next may show it and it all depends on severity too.

Have you asked being that your on the autistic spectrum where do you lay Aspergers Pdd-Nos?

Last edited by JoelFan on 23 Jun 2015, 4:48 pm, edited 1 time in total.

How much sense that makes depends a lot on where you live. Outside the US, they could be using the old Autism/Asperger's/PDD-NOS designations, and just mean that while you classify for an autism spectrum disorder (which encompasses all three), it's not specifically Autism Disorder. I know, it's confusing.

If you're in the US, then they're using an out of date classification system. You should be assigned Autism Spectrum Disorder: level 1, 2, or 3 if you're on the spectrum.

Seems to me it's an issue of semantics. Hopefully they just meant you're not "full-blown" autistic. To say you're not autistic but on the spectrum would mean, if taken literally, the autistic spectrum isn't about autism. That's clearly silly, but then a lot of silly things are said verbally, if indeed it was only verbal. I wouldn't worry as long as they give you the adjustments and help that you need.

I am guessing either their intention is to reassure you there is hope and they don't realize how confusing and infuriating that kind of muddiness is or possibly they are just trying to avoid classifying you as autistic on your IEP because they want to use another classification.

Are you getting what you need on your IEP and does the school staff seem to understand and help you? I think those questions deserve the most focus.

Oh. Also, there is no delicate way to say this: sometimes CSE chairs lie in what they consider the child's best interest. I'm not defending, and it made me crazy when it happened. Best thing to do is ask questions and keep asking and try not to doubt yourself. I am sorry you went through that. I hate being lied to. And it doesn't mean they won't do their best for you. But sometimes they do, to manage people I think.

I agree with the others. That doesn't make any sense and it's very contradictory. Maybe you should teach those teachers about the autism spectrum AND how the word "autistic" pertains to the spectrum, hence the name. How your teachers missed that is beyond me.

I'll have to see how things turn out in September.