How Does the Term "Autism" Fit with Neurodiversity?

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09 Dec 2016, 10:43 pm

"Autism" is a term used to denote something wrong with someone. Autism is defined in terms of a triad of impairments.

Part of the neurodiversity paradigm is eliminating or replacing deficits-based language. Well, the term "autism" itself is an example of deficits-based language.

What I want to know is this:

1. Does anyone else see retaining the terms "autism" and "autistic" as inconsistent with the neurodiversity paradigm?

2. If so, how can that inconsistency be eliminated?

firemonkey
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09 Dec 2016, 10:59 pm

Is this about accentuating the positives while being mindful of the deficits ? If so that makes sense . However if neurodiversity is about denial of very real deficits then that IMO is very foolish and irresponsible.

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09 Dec 2016, 11:28 pm

I am for neurodiversty, however I don't think impairments and difficulties should be overlooked or ignored. I mean I have aspergers, that won't change...but that is no reason I shouldn't address difficulties it causes. I don't really agree with the 'its just a different neurology' I mean it is but that doesn't mean it doesn't come with impairments that neurotypicals don't typically face.

I think the cure model is flawed, rather then focusing on 'curing' I think it would be more useful to focus on treatments and accommodations for people on the spectrum to minimize negative symptoms...but it should still be accepted as the way some peoples brains work.

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ASPartOfMe
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10 Dec 2016, 3:02 am

What the ND movementis attempting to do wih these terms is known as reappropriation

Quote:

In sociology and cultural studies, reappropriation or reclamation is the cultural process by which a group reclaims terms or artifacts that were previously used in a way disparaging of that group

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ArielsSong
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10 Dec 2016, 7:04 am

starkid wrote:

'Autism' is a diagnosis. What would you be replacing it with? Another word that means exactly the same?

Or are you advocating for nobody to be diagnosed?

starkid
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10 Dec 2016, 1:03 pm

ArielsSong wrote:

'Autism' is a diagnosis. What would you be replacing it with? Another word that means exactly the same?

Or are you advocating for nobody to be diagnosed?

Please try responding to what's in my original post instead of asking me about ideas I never said or implied.

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10 Dec 2016, 6:30 pm

starkid wrote:

ArielsSong wrote:

'Autism' is a diagnosis. What would you be replacing it with? Another word that means exactly the same? Or are you advocating for nobody to be diagnosed?

Please try responding to what's in my original post instead of asking me about ideas I never said or implied.

She IS responding to your OP----and, you DID say the idea; you said:

"Part of the neurodiversity paradigm is eliminating or **replacing** deficits-based language. Well, the term "autism" itself is an example of deficits-based language."

Just because she didn't answer your questions / respond the way you wanted----and, asked her OWN questions----doesn't mean she wasn't paying attention (if that's what you meant); and, I think she has very valid questions.

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starkid
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10 Dec 2016, 7:24 pm

Campin_Cat wrote:

Yes, I said part of the neurodiversity paradigm is replacing certain terms. I didn't say anything about my wanting to replace any terms, so there's no justification for asking me what I want to replace "autism" with.

Quote:

Just because she didn't answer your questions / respond the way you wanted----and, asked her OWN questions----doesn't mean she wasn't paying attention (if that's what you meant);

No. Not what I said. Same issue as previous poster: respond to what's on the screen, not meanings and motivations you make up and project onto me.

Quote:

and, I think she has very valid questions.

I don't know what you mean by "valid," but I fail to see the relevance in asking me whether I advocate an end to autism diagnoses. That has nothing whatsoever to do with anything in the OP.

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11 Dec 2016, 9:01 am

starkid wrote:

1. Yes, at least as far as medical terms go. Any change in common conversation is probably going to have to come from a stronger group identity from those with Neurodiverse gene expression.

2. Repudiation of at least the DSM-5 portions relating to Autism Spectrum Disorders that do not expressly acknowledge processing and communication differences in those with Neurodiverse gene expression.

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