Autism vs Aspergers (What YOU NEED To Know)

[@castlering]

I'm Autistic. I despise functioning labels as they're used to minimise our experiences. When I'm driving my car, I'm high functioning, yet when non verbal or in meltdown I'm low functioning - can't be both! Autistic covers all bases. Aspergers likewise has a perception that's misleading. The spectrum isn't linear. It's more like settings on a sound desk - us Autistics have individual settings. For instance I really struggle in loud environments, whereas my husband doesn't. We're all individuals. I totally respect the individual right to self-identify, but personally I really do not like Aspergers, 'levels' or functioning labels.

[@basketballplayer221]

Cool ya I just was told it’s the old term Asperger‘s but didn’t realize it was different. Ya I thought all humans have there individuality. Ya I also hate loud noises it drives me nuts. I thought I was acting before but it doesn’t turn off. The only thing I did say was I had a super power and heard whispering even… I’m probably going to go deaf. Not been diagnosed. people say nothing wrong with me. I used to Google Asperger‘s but now just autism.

[@wokecommunist3095]

I agree with you 100% but can you not use the word 'individual', it implies that you're a landowner and most of us don't own land or things we can make money from.

[@katycheckley]

I think this is the BEST explanation of the Autistic spikey skill profile I have ever read.

[@katycheckley]

@@wokecommunist3095 I think you misunderstand the word 'individual' and its meaning. Perhaps Sovereign would have been more acceptable to you?

[@wokecommunist3095]

@@katycheckley The word individual is synonymous with private landowners. It's in the Communist Manifesto. Individualism has always been adjacent to the interests of private landowners and collectivism has always been adjacent to those that don't own land or property.

[@Fredoom-rights-yt5qx]

You nailed it, people have an idea of what Aspergers is and don't start questioning your autism because 'you don't seem autistic". Me myself also only identify as Asperger's. That's what I feel like. Also can't put myself into the group with really severe needs.

[@22Purplemist]

It's a perfect time to educate people

[@Jae-by3hf]

@@22Purplemistme & many others do not want to educate people, our lives are hard enough. You can tell some of you are young or have so much support that you don’t get how adult life as an autistic person is!

[@22Purplemist]

@@Jae-by3hf - I'm 59 😂 and have had no support my entire life so you missed the mark by a big margin. I get it if you don't have the energy but if we don't educate people or at least provide links etc. how will people learn‽ 🤔

[@marsdriver2501]

@@22Purplemist Aspengers syndrome sounds way cooler than asd tho

[@BunnyStarBlue]

​@@Jae-by3hfWow, you just assumed the age, support and almost a little bit of the actual living conditions of someone on the internet you don't know anything about... scary

[@Cheryl_Frazier]

I was recently diagnosed with Level 1 Autism, or "Autism Without Intellectual Disability." I find myself telling people I have Aspergers because it's more well known and accepted (although misunderstood). However, using the term "Aspergers" doesn't relay to most people the challenges I face every day. I'm still figuring it out.

[@angelikaolscher7104]

@@Cheryl_Frazier autism without intellectual disability sounds paradox to me, and indeed hard to integrate or communicate. I wish you all the best in figuring this out. The first 3 to 5 years after diagnosis are a bit of a Rollercoaster... I thought my diagnosis was marking the last third of my journey. It's only been the beginning. In German, we wish people strength. It doesn't translate well, but I wish you the mental fortitude it takes. You can do it.

[@Cheryl_Frazier]

@@angelikaolscher7104 You are so kind. Thank you!!

[@roachmorphine8018]

​@@angelikaolscher7104 It's not a paradox if you're familiar with Autism. Intellectual disability isn't part of Autism, it's a separate diagnosis. It is possible to have both, but they aren't mutually exclusive.

[@roachmorphine8018]

​@@angelikaolscher7104 Gezundheit? That's the closest I know ;)

[@angelikaolscher7104]

@@roachmorphine8018 I am sorry but I don't think you can assume my familiarity with autism based on my statement. I share your distinction, but in the DSM, people classify autism as learning disability within itself, for as far as I understood the psychologists correctly as they disclosed my diagnosis.

[@mwilliams55555]

Youngest grandson was diagnosed autistic, after doing some research, watching videos, including yours, I believe I am too, certainly make some things make sense now at 65, keep up the great work

[@qbik911]

Dont believe the hype yet. Reason is, if you have not been diagnosed at the early age, when the symptoms occur naturally, you might get diagnosed with symptoms as a false positive. A beat down by life Military Veteran with multiple PTSDs (CPTSD) can also be diagnosed as Autistic due to the fact that while one PTSD is being under control, the rest of them are going wild but you cant sense it because you are already multitasking with an activity and masking. If you decide to get diagnosed, dont just ask for confirmation. Ask for structural explanation if your symptoms could only derive from Autism or if it could it be an acquired CPTSD with depression due to your life journey. The reason is you dont want to eternalize the idea of having a "permanent issue", unless necessarily. It will bring unnecessary social barriers and demotivational thoughts such as "I can not X because I have Y, therethrough I wont even try". And dont let me start on depression... I mean you've made it to 65, why slow down now? Because if you are looking for a reason to be depressed, for the rest of your life, getting diagnosed will do the trick! Just hang in there, soon enough you'll start getting "senior behavioral discount" and with that you can get away with almost anything. Cheers!!!

[@yosamite44]

You sound like me. Now 66, when I was late fifties I realized I am high functioning autistic. It explains many experiences throughout my life. My daughter is likely also on the spectrum. Her son, my grandson, has a diagnosis of autism. There is definitely a familiar component. I don't mind so much being a little bit different from most folks, although it comes with some difficulties, it also comes with huge benefits once you take the right perspective.

[@mwilliams55555]

@@yosamite44 Yeah I was told I was too high strung as a kid, pay attention more, wasn't given anything other than a swift kick. Started partaking in a herb and got some clarity, I think it's the only thing that has kept me from going totally nuts

[@sheiladickinson4473]

I wasn't diagnosed until one of my kids was diagnosed in elementary school. After researching his diagnosis, a light bulb went off. It's hard toget a diagnosis as an adult but it has made a few programs available to me. Just fyi, he is now 16 and I am 53.

[@AuraDawn_Health]

I liked the term "Aspie". I don't like the "disorder" word, but I thought that was just me lol.

[@happyhovsehomestead5354]

I feel like it should be called the Autism Frequency. We operate on a different wavelength within. A spectrum.

[@TheRojo387]

A wavelength that makes up your entire being.

[@monicabang_]

YES

[@ZeonGenesis]

I personally like 'Neurodivergent Spectrum Condition' :D

[@juliablair4963]

Thank you for the history explanation. My Dad, 86 years old, just moved in with me and I am desperately trying to learn how to develop a healthy, happy relationship with him. My Mom divorced him 30 years ago and has always said he has Aspergers. Of his 9 remaining living children, I am the only one who would take him in. He has always been, as you put it, “weird” and socially awkward, alienating most people. Thank you for you videos as I try to navigate this new life. I want to treat him with kindness and dignity without feeling like I’m losing my mind.

[@doellt4753]

I'm nearly twice the age of the person in their early forties I'm trying to look after. I've been doing it for three years. It's difficult - no help, everyone else walked away from the challenges, the issues, the problems. I get a kick though out of seeing more independence emerging in my person. For me, it is a form of happiness regardless of what the world thinks. I wish you well and freedom from self doubt. Your person is lucky, they have you.

[@kellystukey5134]

My son has a diagnosis of high functioning ASD, and people (at least here in KS, USA) frequently act like I’m one of “those moms” who just chased a diagnosis. However, when I mention that he has what would have been diagnosed as Asperger’s, the response is usually that they can see it. Doesn’t bother me at all to use Asperger’s, and we just don’t make a big deal of it to him. 🤷🏻‍♀️ thanks for making these videos! I just stumbled across your channel, and am so thankful for what you are doing!

[@paulvarga9696]

I prefer using Asperger's to describe myself sometimes I'll say "I have mild autism what they used to call Asperger's"

[@Geaners100]

I do too! People also understand it better that way.

[@EphemeralProductions]

Good way to say it. 👍❤️

[@roachmorphine8018]

There is no such thing as "mild Autism". There are many traits used to diagnose Autism. Someone you would consider to be "fully Autistic" might have less texture or sound sensitivity than someone you consider to have "Aspergers" or "mild autism". There are and have been high performing geniuses and scientists with Autism. The reality is Aspergers doesn't exist, it's all Autism and Autism is a spectrum.

[@roachmorphine8018]

​@@Geaners100 If they can understand it in the context of false, unnecessarily complex and outdated terminology, they can understand the reality. Which is simpler anyway. "I have Autism". It's not a bad word and it's easy to remember.

[@allesasmart]

prefer asbergers for adult life

[@CtDDtC1919]

Like a lot of the people in the comments section, I find that not only do I find the term "Asperger's" fits my specific symptomology best, but it also makes it easier for the general public to grasp. For many years, I would just (when necessary) explain that I was "On the spectrum". I found there is a lot of ignorance and misinformation regarding that definition. The most common was "Oh, we're ALL on the spectrum somewhere." (ARRGH!) A few years ago I was sharing my frustration with my best friend. He happens to be Black, and what he said made SUCH an impact on me. After I finished explaining my frustration of the "We're ALL on the spectrum..." replies, he sat and thought for a moment then said to me "It sounds to me like they are confusing quirks with information processing disorder." I asked him to explain. He replied "OK... that would be like me sharing my experience as a black man with a non-black person, and having them reply with "Oh, we're ALL a little bit black. I have really good rhythm, and Steve over there.. he's really good at basket ball.", so yeah besides being incredibly insulting, even if they don't mean to be, it is definitely gaslighting. They are picking out individual quirks and not recognizing there is an underlying information processing disorder that "ALL" people do NOT have. Just like having a few attributes or quirks that are stereotypical traits of a given demographic does not make you a member of that demographic." Anyway, this one conversation was the point at which I started to change how I described my neurology to those who I felt needed to know. I've come to find that the vast majority are more able to accept and understand the term "Asperger's" than they are "Autism Spectrum Disorder".

[@sandracross483]

I have taken the 3 tests on u-tube, because I wondered about my father having aspergers-like traits. I was curious and discovered that on the 2 that aren't the main test, I shared some aspergers traits, but I tested right on the line with the neurotypical. Some of the traits are shared by people with childhood trauma, but as you said that is different. On the main test I was neurotypical. I can remember stimming and sometimes still do. I had big problems holding eye contact with my father, but not most other people. I get sensory overload, but it's, because I'm an ISFJ (MEYERS BRIGGS) dominant sensor type. I think you should all be acknowledged with Aspergers if you want to.❤

[@NoLies17]

Tell him it made an impact on me too. That's a really good analogy. Since we're naturally such visual creatures, it seems that hidden disabilities frequently need to be compared to a visual analog. Alternate perspectives are a hell of a thing to imagine, let alone actually understand. Few can imagine functioning with a different brain. It's like understanding the size of the Universe, or the ultimate question. 😉 Thanks!

[@Undel_]

I came up with ASPIE = Autism Spectrum Presenting Individual Experiences

[@etcwhatever]

Very cool. Makes sense

[@SufferingWell-dtwakr]

I want to give you 33 thumbs up. What a great idea!

[@jessilynn706]

I hope you are not claiming you made up the phrase... lol

[@Undel_]

I came up with this phrase for a chat group. However, it might not be the first time someone has used this expression. I also have Russian and German versions.

[@rachaelsimone521]

@@Undel_you do know what the name of this channel is right?😂

[@suey.5795]

Thanks for the clarification. My son is engaged to a young woman who has asperger's. I've asked her questions about it to help educate myself about the disorder. Your video was very helpful to put more pieces into place. Thanks!

[@CtDDtC1919]

This is from my earlier comment, but I thought you may find it helpful: For years I was very selective in whom I would share my diagnosis of "Being on the Spectrum". The most common reply I would receive when I would use the term "autism Spectrum Disorder" verses "Asperger's" was "Oh, we're ALL on the Spectrum somewhere". I HATED that reply as it always made me feel minimalized. A few years ago I was sharing my frustration with my best friend. He happens to be Black, and what he said made SUCH an impact on me. After I finished explaining my frustration of the "We're ALL on the spectrum..." replies, he sat and thought for a moment then said to me "It sounds to me like they are confusing quirks with Information Processing Disorder." I asked him to explain. He replied "OK... that would be like me sharing my experience as a black man with a non-black person, and having them reply with "Oh, we're ALL a little bit black. I have really good rhythm, and Steve over there.. he's really good at basket ball.", so yeah besides being incredibly insulting, even if they don't mean to be, it is definitely gaslighting. They are picking out individual quirks and not recognizing there is an underlying information processing disorder that "ALL" people do NOT have. Just like having a few attributes or quirks that are stereotypical traits of a given demographic does not make you a member of that demographic." Anyway, I hope this helps in some way. If not now, it may be useful information at some future date, or something you can share with your son's wife (to be).

[@Ghostecy]

She is beyond thankful that you’re researching. We always want people to understand us but most people don’t care to.

[@NonSoup]

We found her! The Mother in law of the Century

[@jasminecane3229]

I love that anology. Hate the 'everybody is on the spectrum' comments too. When I try to explain some of my 'struggles', like overanaylising and trouble.with eye contact, to my Mother in law she just says, me too! Feel like that's her saying, it's not that big of a deal, if I can cope with it you should too. This could be me over analysing though!

[@CtDDtC1919]

@@jasminecane3229 By claiming everybody is on the spectrum, they invalidate who we are at our very core, and minimalize/gaslight us. We have a neurology that influences the very way we internalize and process data. While neurotypicals may share some of the same challenges we do, they do so for entirely different reasons. (as my friend pointed out) Would they be inclined to say to a cancer patient who was saying how tired, and overwhelmed they feel "So do I!". Responding as they do says WAY more about the kind of person they are than it does about us or our neurology. Hang tough my friend. I hear and "see" you.

[@beautybeagles6982]

Personally I prefer Autism as if you use Aspergers people assume you don't need support or at least minimal support. But as it is a spectrum and every ASD individual struggles with different aspects of it, where do you draw the line between ASD and Aspergers, what if you only just fall into Aspergers rather than ASD? You then have to explain why you need extra support etc. Also a lot of people that are classed as 'high functioning' ie Aspergers are actually just really good at masking. High functioning essentially means 'better able to not appear autistic', it doesn't mean they struggle any less with sensory issues or social anxiety. Personally I would prefer that we are all ASD diagnosed then thise with more severe needs are referred to by their Co-diagnosis such as ASD and Developmental Delay or Non Verbal ASD and so on.

[@maritimesteak8540]

And this as well

[@PC_Ringo]

I think the main thing is with using the Aspergers is that its broad use/acceptance by the general populous leads to incorrect assumptions about individuals, for even Aspergers is a spectrum as well and people previously diagnosed with Aspergers would also have varying support needs, sensitivities etc. I take the point about service eligibility as perhaps being a reason why Aspergers was brought within the autism spectrum, i.e. to allow more people access to support services, etc. However, I feel you've associated people previously diagnosed with Aspergers as all being able to hold down a job, a girlfriend, etc. but not all people with Aspergers could indeed do these things. So the notion that the term Aspergers may make things easier for say neurotypical people to understand via the use of a label is a fallacy. Notwithstanding, the use of autistic or ASD does not necessarily do this either. People previously diagnosed with Aspergers would still need to justify themselves, and make accommodations within themselves to fit into society’s expectations - hence masking. So, I feel the push for people to be generally accepting of autism existing on a spectrum is justified in the sense that not all autistic people are the same, and all autistic people (including those previously diagnosed with Aspergers, High Functioning Autism, Low Functioning Autism, Classical Autism, etc) experience their autism differently and therefore have different needs. I don’t think this unreasonable, and is congruent with the notion that not all neurotypical people are the same and neurotypical people have different needs as well (it is just logical). It therefore stands to reason to consider people by neurotype rather discrete labels which fail at adeqautely categorising anything and only serve to confuse matters.

[@michele219]

Yes, I want Asperger’s back because the “stereotype” matches my presentation better.

[@remimaco]

This makes a lot of sense to me.

[@AndyEaster]

Asperger's Syndrome should never have been lumped in with autism. I am an Asperger. I do not have a disorder or disability (although my wife may disagree).

[@krystalleigh144]

Exactly!! I come from a family of diagnosed aspies: my mother, sisters, and myself are aspie having been diagnosed by a protégé of Dr Tony Atwood. We also suspect my genius university professor uncle who obsessively collects board games is aspie; however he refuses this possibility due to the stigma. He has a war game room like nothing anyone else has seen! Literally thousands of board games mostly of the war, fantasy and RPG genre; he is also a re-enactor and founded a nationally successful re-enacting company, and other related businesses/organisations I wont detail. We also have three generations of women on my mother's side who went to special schools for highly intelligent girls who we suspect were aspie, two of whom became valedictorians. We do not like to use the term Autism because most people immediately assume this means you are mentally handicapped and disabled, when we are the stereotype of aspergers to a T. We are highly articulate, highly intelligent, have obsessive interests, have a fascination with language, and have great pattern recognition, love routines, struggle with spontaneity, and are socially awkward and inept (however have taught ourselves well enough to mask this in many situations) and have sensory processing issues. When we use the term 'Aspergers' most people immediately comprehend how we are; however when we use the term 'autism' they immediately assume we are of low IQ and disabled and begin infantalising us and treating us like we are stupid or worse - "crazy". There is ample evidence in the scientific literature, albeit requiring larger sample groups for further confirmation, that show there are in fact significant neurophysiological and structural differences in the brains of people diagnosed as having 'aspergers' or "high functioning autism" versus those diagnosed with classical autism.

[@ZeonGenesis]

@@AndyEaster Many on the autism spectrum say the same thing as you though. I am being evaluated for asperger's and will likely get that diagnosis, and I would certainly still argue I have a disability, because I haven't so far been able to have a functional life. (Whether you experience autism as a difference or as a disability depends on the individual)

[@keifyw7444]

我有很多自闭症特征，懂相关专业的老师们说是高功能自闭，而其他人说“根本不可能”，因为“看起来不像”。 我很高兴我是个Aspie。 因为人间不值得， 我跟我自己，足矣。❤

[@ellisd77]

I use the Aspergers word. But since I mask quite well, people, including family, think I'm either worthless (because of long term issues with jobs and relationships) or damaged. I've never received support for the difficulties I've had in life. No formal diagnosis.

[@Choppy698]

Hiya Elis, go to the doctors and get diagnosed there, I was diagnosed at 41, its up there as the one of best things I've ever done

[@ellisd77]

Thank you

[@ravinj8625]

An Autism diagnosis would probably help more

[@crystalratclffe3258]

I was late diagnosed. My daughter was diagnosed at 19, also Asperger. My grandfather was classic Asperger. In fact when my grandson was with Alta Regional in Sacramento with ASD 3 needing maximum support, they would ask "don't you think this behavior odd?" And our confused response was "No, the whole family does it". I like the Aspie community, the support, the identification it gives us. ID as an Aspie, people don't expect me needing high ADL needs, but supports in other ways.

[@carrie5490]

The issue with dividing the diagnosis is that it makes assumptions that those with level 1, Aspergers, autism without a learning disability (however you want to define it) don’t need as such support and that they’re more capable than others. As we all know, our needs vary daily and according to task. Just because I’m high functioning on one area doesn’t mean I’m high functioning in all areas.

[@Lia-ih7qu]

And it's all related. For; instance before my official diagnosis that I had to push for, I've lived my entire adult life independently. I was a teacher so didn't really have to socialize but I kept getting fired and couldn't figure out why. Now I'm living alone in a new area and really need to make new friends, but still struggle with that since I never learned those crucial skills 😥

[@kevinreid2720]

Just received my ASD diagnosis an hour ago and wanted to THANK YOU for all of your videos, they have been an invaluable resource during the diagnostic process.

[@justind9019]

I appreciate your content. I often share your videos with family and friends to help better understand my son that has Asperger’s

[@EphemeralProductions]

Even though the word is not “couture” anymore, I still use the word Asperger’s to describe myself because more people have heard it than “Autism spectrum”, so saying that word instantly conveys what I want it to and I don’t have to hear “huh??” And have to explain.

[@Turglayfopa]

Saying Asperger's has the benefit of that descriptive feature. Most people you'd tell about it anyway would be allistics, meaning you get 10-15 seconds of talking about it before we're talking about Helen's daughter graduating. (That's a joke, but you get the idea)

[@TheAspieWorld]

Thank you so much for the comment! Please subscribe to my channel to see more videos from me :).

[@catlifechannel3886]

😂😂😂 So very true.

[@jend7390]

I haven't been diagnosed, but I fit in the category of nuerodivergent. Eventhough I know my specifications, I prefer not to have a specific diagnosis. It would've been much more helpful in my formative years, but I'm beyond that now. I'm okay with it, I like me. 😊

[@EricCofield]

I am/was diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. I was 20 when this took place, later 28 or 29 became epileptic; I reject all other assertions to the contrary. Nobody takes into account the struggle I had to be heard, even listened to. A fight against drunken tyranny. My fight to be recognized as this and nothing more litterally has taken the energy out of me. But I finally won

[@drrnwllmsn3438]

I’m going through an evaluation in order to get diagnosed. I’m definitely on the Asperger’s side of autism. I haven’t been consistent maintaining employment.

[@threshasketch]

Thank you for explaining the actual reason they stopped using the term Asperger's. I've never heard the actual reason, and only ever heard people mention Nazis in relation to why. I agree with you, whatever people personally feel like they want to call themselves, it's okay with me. I'm certainly not going to assume someone's stance on Nazis based upon a medical term they have been diagnosed with. Many other medical conditions are probably named after problematic or downright terrible people, too. You made a great point about people recognizing rough support needs levels when using Asperger's, as well. Good video with thoughtful, informative commentary. Thanks for sharing.

[@ShoreTrooperBQN]

Thank you so much for the in depth explanation. My 12 year old son was diagnosed less than a year ago after years of going to several doctors and going through school counselors. You are a blessing for parents. God bless you

[@bealltho1]

I was diagnosed with Asperger's. At the time it was a separate diagnosis from autism. The DSM might have merged autism and Asperger's but to me they'll always be separate.

[@Flopsi80]

The description of Aspergers fits me perfectly.

[@siwray3278]

Sadly there is still a lot of stigma associated with it.

[@Flopsi80]

@@siwray3278 That's right and that's the case with a lot of neurological or mental problems. I got migraines and the most people don't understand how bad that is. So as a freelancer I planned to make some content about neurodivergence, espacially about autism and ADHD. Educate some people about that. But in my personal life I have no problems with the stigmas, because of course people who think bad stuff about neurodivergent persons like me have no place in my life. And as a freelancer I got great customers because I am also very open about this topics in my marketing.

[@dellseasandoval8187]

Congratulations with your channel lasting over a decade. I am an American with children all Aussies. I’ve been in Australia nearly 20 years. I got a late formal diagnosis I paid cash money out of my pocket five years ago for Asperger’s & last year for ADHD so that makes me AuDHD. One of the major manifestations of all that is my OCD. I’m not even trying to make a joke but if I don’t stop I might end up spelling out the whole alphabet.

[@adrianhdragon718]

Dan !!! Fellow ASPIE Here ! Only accepted my ASPERGERS about 45 months ago or so ! For more than 7 years have been diagnosed by many people albeit never really accepted it ! Have it 100% albeit late in life accepted it and trying to get an official diagnosis ! Thanks for your videos have been very helpful in understanding, managing, playing, accepting and loving BEING AN ASPIE ! EYe love your Pyramid Tattoes !

[@ilovecats4705]

I have aspergers. I'm use to that name the very most. Still trying to get use to the new name. Thank you for explainning the name change. I probably couldn't even guessed. When it comes to the difference of autism and asperergers, I already knew 3 fourths of it. The other stuff is something new I learned from you. I've always had aspergers. I was diagnosed at age six. With autism, I was really above that level lot.

[@antoniofuller2331]

People with Asperger's always have a bigger ego, so it's true. Autism people are more accepting and slow

[@KayKeyPerk_KArmaUnicornDreams]

I was recently asked by my nurse practitioner. I’m seeing after a so-called psychosis break which I believe was not. I have CPTSD I’m hyper, vigilant, and hyper aware. But they asked me if I was ever tested for autism or if I was autistic or ADHD and I told them that I was diagnosed with ADHD when I was kid and re-diagnosed with bipolar as a child but none of the medication ever really worked for me . I do have autism in my family. My son actually is level three nonverbal. And me and him understand each other very well he is extremely bonded to me very affectionate. I feel as though we can understand each other without communication. I also attended lawless school for the gifted and talented. In kindergarten so I have high IQ.

[@logicalameetsworld]

Great video Daniel, personally the change has caused a rift in the community in America making important conversations difficult. I personally have used both but perfer to use my actual diagnosis. I don't care for ASD because the use of the word disorder, when in the AMA Autism is referred to as a disability. It always has me questioning which is it? I think the world should scrap what it created around Autism and Asperger's and let those who live with either create the criteria of what we need assistance with, communication strategies, and the positive contributions we have and can make.

[@tamaraholloway9634]

I don't mind Asperger's. I actually wasn't diagnosed until about 3 1/2 years ago at almost 48 in the US. I was already familiar with the term because I suspected I was an Aspie 20 years earlier, but the pros at the time disagreed. In the meantime, the DSM term changed, but when I was finally diagnosed, the doctor told me I would have been diagnosed with Asperger's in the past, but now it's all ASD. Usually if I mention I'm Autistic, I do end up having to say "Well, Asperger's, like Elon." cause the people usually go "You don't seem like Autism from what I know ". Then they get it

[@CassandraElkin]

@@tamaraholloway9634 when I say I'm autistic I get responses of, "no, you're smart" and stupid things like that

[@raven4090]

What i hate about them lumping us all together is the side by side comparison we get now. Some people get angry if I say have any kind of challenge, saying things like: "I have a friend who has a nephew who can't talk and.... Blah blah blah... He has REAL challenges." They try to make me ashamed that I said I was autistic.

[@louiseshields4394]

I prefer the term Asperger’s Syndrome. My son was diagnosed with Asperger’s at 7, he’s 15 now and I just believe the term explains him most clearly. He is highly intelligent but has social and sensory difficulties x

[@justind9019]

Same.

[@colbyboucher6391]

It's always the parents.

[@jedimasterham2]

For most of us who grew up in the 80's and 90's, ASD/Aspergers was way less recognized, and it would have been helpful to have a more specialized learning environment than the 'one size fits all' environment present in both private and public schools. Fortunately, diagnosis in the US can be fairly quick, although you will have to pay $1,500-$3,500 to get a psychologist to evaluate you.

[@junkettarp8942]

Hi Dan......Good to hear from you in my feed.....I am on the spectrum and i like and appreciate your work...Thanks mate.

[@CreativeRootzPortugal]

Im an aspie who has experienced meltdowns and overwhelm and it took years to manage alone. I also don't do eye contact.

[@paulineiqbal5948]

My Friend has suffered ASD symptoms since childhood. Often dismissed as eccentric, even called "weird". Bullied through school, misunderstood all his adult life. Communication / social difficulties / speaking out of context / unusual but harmless obsessions / limited interests / lack of spacial awareness, stimming, etc. One Psychiatrist turned him away, repeatedly telling him "I don't understand you!" (I did not know him back then). Another Psychiatrist, I heard telling him he was diagnosed with "traits of Autism", with no further referral being made! People with ASD have the same rights to be fully screened, diagnosed and treated as anyone with any illness. At 54 my Friend is now waiting for an assessment in two years time! I offered to accompany my Friend as he struggles to understand and respond to questions, due to his communication difficulties. Thank you for your information. Pauline

[@sleepyburr]

Man, what a thing to hear from a health "professional". Imagine being refused by any other kind of doctor - AND not being given a referral to someone who can actually help - because of *their* shortcomings. "Your cancer is too hard for me to treat, get out of my office. Also no you can't get referred to someone better." It almost comes off like an ego thing at that point. Like, they can't help, but they also don't want anyone else to do a better job than them. (Although in some cases I suppose they could legitimately have no idea that a means to help even exists out of sheer ignorance/lack of awareness.) Tbh tho, if that happened to me, I'd be fighting the urge to snap back with something like "then get good, scrub", lol.

[@louisapepperrell3630]

​@@Kenma-Kozume5im 59 now so dont see any point to getting diagnosed, just gonna carry on being 'weird'

[@MrAndywills]

The only suffering your friend has was from people’s attitudes and society’s discriminations.

[@specialuset8022]

@@paulineiqbal5948 It’s very weird to say, “suffered ASD symptoms” like it’s a disease. It would be more appropriate to say they’ve faced challenges of autistic traits.

[@paulineiqbal5948]

@@specialuset8022 that's true! I shall bare that in mind. I'm just so used to explaining my Bipolar symptoms for years. I do get what you mean though, and I've just mentioned this to my Friend. Thanks love Pauline

[@katec561]

I live in Australia and the label of Asperger’s is rarely used. Also, people are quick to correct you if you use it, saying it doesn’t exist as a diagnosis. Here we have a national disability insurance scheme where anyone with a disability can get government funding to develop living skills or social participation skills through services like speech or occupational therapy, peer support etc. While funding is based on an individual’s needs, for someone with ASD, you have to have a formal diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder, not Asperger’s to be eligible. Whilst doctors haven’t used the term Asperger’s here for a long time, I think the link to government support funding has largely eradicated its common use. As a masking adult with 2 kids with AuDHD, at first I felt self-conscious changing away from Asperger’s and Aspie, but I prefer Autism now. It’s just easier and most people understand that ASD looks different in everyone.

[@shelteredsparrow2736]

I just figured out that I am high functioning autistic. I am really still researching it. My tiny college used a play I wrote for home coming. I have been called intelligent. I am free lance writer. One thing that drives me about crazy is having my picture taken. When I researched it today it said that might be a sign of Asbergers. This is all too new for me to leave an opinion. I will looking at more videos

[@danieladamczyk4024]

Each copy of autism is personalized.

[@zhcoop]

I prefer "challenges" - as we all have our individual challenges in life, and sometimes we overcome stuff and new challenges occur. Life is ever changing, that's the only permanent: change. If you put a label onto someone, they can stick to it, identify as the label, and not develop beyond it. It's a self fulfilling prophecy.

[@arjanvanlent]

I don't have an official diagnoses for autism since the treatment is the same as for my ADHD/Borderline diagnoses so I never saw a need for it. At first I only recognised myself in people diagnosed with Aspergers but in the past year or so I found a lot of recognision in people with classic autism as well. To me it feels like a lot of the struggles are the same but the intensity varies so I do get the whole ASD levels terminology.

[@TheGothbear]

I live in U.S.A most places here it takes a year to two years to see a neurologist to get diagnosed. Are 3 year old has an appointment the end of December. We were lucky to find a place where it’s only a 5 month wait!

[@theaddiechannel6990]

I’m a Aspie and proud of it! ❤

[@SFCvideography]

Thanks for making this video. I've been confused about when to use which one. Frankly, I don't care what you call me, just so long as you treat me like the human that I am. I find labels helpful for communication, but I've had them backfire as either the other person limits me as a result or I find myself doing so unintentionally. While your words pour out fast, a bit too fast at times (for me), I really appreciated the explanation of the term Asperger's. I use 'autism' most of the time, in an effort to help people realize that brains are infinitely varied in a multidimensional way. (Just look at all the cross diagnoses!) Very grateful for the information in this video! Many thanks!

[@laurataylor8717]

My brother has Asperger's. I don't think he likes labels in general, but I believe it would benefit him as he has difficulty holding down a job and once again is about to go out on a medical/mental health leave from his job and he has struggled finding a job that doesn't stress him out.

[@TradingPantheonNasirTrades]

He should try swing trading, that’s what I do rn

[@Richard-n2w1g]

The reason the word disorder is a negative is because it means it has a negative effect on the person's life. So I believe that there should be a distinction between high functioning and low functioning Autism. Low functioning is a disorder. High functioning is a blessing and a curse. It doesn't always negatively affect someone's life. Which is why it can be a blessing. But if there are things that make it chaotic, it becomes disorderly

[@specialuset8022]

Functioning labels are harmful and don’t make sense. “High functioning” and “low functioning” autism simply doesn’t exist. Full stop.

[@FlamingCockatiel]

Well said. Another comparison I liked was sickle cell anemia. One copy of the gene grants immunity to malaria, but two copies means you're in deep trouble. Some autistic traits make for some neat stuff, but, as you said, too many make life so hard.

[@gennasantaquilani4863]

I'm currently in the process of trying to get a diagnosis. I'm high functioning when it comes to my work and academic life, but in other areas of life I get completely lost. 😅 It's been a real challenge trying to figure all this out so I really appreciate your channel. ❤

[@YugiohPokemonify]

I have been diagnosed with Asperger’s since I was 16. (29 now) I still use it to help people understand my needs. I also explain it’s kind of falls into the autism scale.

[@TheLexikitty]

“Hey, these group of people need support but can’t get it because it’s not called this.” “Okay so we should probably hire more support for those people, right?” “No, well smush them with this other diagnosis instead.” Also probably just my brain but I feel like AS1/AS2/AS3 wouldnt be awful. My genetic condition is literally called ADOA+ because they found out some people got more nerve damage later in life so they just bolted a plus on haha.

[@DJgregBrown]

I use Asperger's same as I don't use the puzzle piece anymore it doesn't explain in a way people understand we are not a lost piece that don't fit the puzzle.

[@TheAspieWorld]

Thank you so much for the comment!

[@carol-annequigley7815]

My son is on the waiting list for a diagnosis of autism/adhd/dyslexia. He is definitely highly functioning but has difficulty with learning new things but once he learns it then it sticks. He is behind in class eith his learning but has great support thankfully. He is Currently obsessed with Minecraft 😂 which has overtaken his spiderman obession. Thank you for clearing up the Asperger's syndrome myth. Love listening to you explaining all the terms as it can be quite confusing.

[@dellblackman4565]

I tell people that my son has Aspergers because as you've described, it helps them to better understand and relate to it and lessens any possible confusion with that of lower-functioning Autism. I also have Aspergers and I still reference myself in this way despite the 2013 change in the DSM.

[@tobyisaracoon]

I prefer autism to describe myself, but at work, i tend to say aspergers so people will understand my condition better. I work with special education, level 2-3 kids. One has a brain deformation and "global intelligentual delay". The kid I work with is nonverbal and very sweet, he communicates with eye contact very well and participates in work. I have another student who can talk and do the work with support, from time to time he'll have meltdowns and will need to take a break from what we're doing. He would be the level 2 in the room. I find the different levels very interesting and I see myself even in the "severe" kids.

[@BronPuca83]

I was diagnosed Aspy in 2008 by a psychiatrist. I was in my 20's and it was mind blowing to me to be put in a category. It helped so much. I'm middle age now and I am still learning how to manage life. I think it should be it's separate thing, but it needs more information. My daughter and I are both on the Spectrum, similar flavors with different needs. Neither of us are getting any help, even with the diagnosis due to the female stereotypes. She will probably need to stay close to home her whole life. My mom used to call me co-dependent, like it was a bad thing. No mom. I just needed help because I'm trapped in here... but I digress... In rural mid west America, A semi Liberal college educated, autistic woman, is worth very very very little.

[@jenhewitt6165]

I actually thought before my diagnosis that Asperger’s was referred to as ‘adult autism’ but when I talk about Asperger’s nobody knows what it is but when I elaborate that into it’s ’Autism spectrum disorder’ they understand it. I personally prefer ‘autism’ or ‘neurodivergent’ and then maybe go into dyspraxia, adhd, dyscalculia selective mutism etc if necessary. The meaning of the word autism itself coming from the word ‘alone’ was really interesting to me too as the main thing that stood out for me was how isolating it can be. Maybe you can do a video on making friends as an autistic adult because it’s so difficult! 😫

[@kellywidemire8574]

I was diagnosed with Aspergers when I was around 13, I am now 40 and I honestly feel I'm just Autistic. My question is, how do we know if someone just has Aspergers especially in young women or anyone who feels that they have to be high masking. So, to others, it just seems like Aspergers when actually they might be fully Autistic 🤔 I don't know if that made sense. I hope it did. I just think autism is autism and individuals with it no matter what level people think they have should be recognized and accommodate for it. But great video!!!

[@brianwright8374]

I was diagnosed with asd level 1 and adhd combined type last year at 47. I had done several months of research before getting evaluated and I was reasonably certain I met the criteria for autism. I had taken an aspergers test and scored well within the range for likely asperges syndrome. I've also always scored within likely autism on the other tests I've taken. I use both autism and aspergers to tell others I'm autistic. I typically refer to myself as an aspie. I don't care about the stigma associated with Asperger. That just isn't something I feel really matters. I'm happy with my diagnosis. It explains a lot with all the issues I've had growing up, and since my diagnosis my friends and family have been understanding and accepting.

[@FSDraconis]

I was only diagnosed on the Autism spectrum a few years ago. Honestly I am not concerned with the labels themselves at this point. The answers to why and what I am dealing with being clear. Compared to just feeling like an alien to everyone around me. This has made more things feel right in understanding me compared to anything else. I'm starting to look into medication to deal with some of my problems. If anyone could share experiences and symptoms you were dealing with for a given medication. I would really appreciate the information. Thank you in advance.

[@TessaCoker]

Much prefer Aspie. Bring it back

[@EphemeralProductions]

The world is too sensitive and touchy for that to happen. :(. I seriously doubt it will ever be allowed to return.

[@MrStyles784]

​@@EphemeralProductions nothing wrong with being sensitive, especially regarding things previously named after a literal Nazi doctor who executed disabled people who were deemed useless to the cause

[@sarahharris2729]

​@@MrStyles784 only Hans Asperger didnt say thats what the policy should be, following orders. In fact, one of his team hid a Jewish boy under the floorboards. A lot of people are ignorant of the full story.

[@MrStyles784]

@@sarahharris2729 "Just following orders" might be good enough to excuse his complicity, but it still doesn't earn the honor of having a diagnosis named after him just because that was the category of people he would have reported as having value to the Nazi party

[@pelleoh]

@@MrStyles784 Still the obsession with the Nazis while both the US and Israel are the real Nazis of today.. Next thing would be to get rid of all US and Jewish named things then?

[@riverjao]

Back in Nov ‘24 a therapist with a MA, who specializes in autism, told me that I was the poster child for ASD Level 1. Yesterday, (in Jan. of ‘25) I met with a neuropsychologist who told me that “it’s pretty clear that you have what they used to call Asperger’s.” That was after an hour/hour and a half assessment and slight testing. He told me there was no need for to go through the actual battery of 6-hr testing.

[@chriscarlson4654]

I have my assessment tomorrow. My wife is the 1 that pushed me for this. She works in daycare and says I absolutely have autism.

[@johnhatton4290]

I tend to use Aspergers as a sub-category of ASD, mostly as the age group of my peers have a better understanding of the challenges Aspergers brings to the table, where as 'ASD' covers potentially so much (so you end up having to explain your specific challenges and preferred accommodations). I also find the same with 'ADD' and 'ADHD-innattentive', as ADD removes the 'hyper-active' part from the title I don't have to respond to the 'but your not hyperactive' statements where I then have to explain the 'mental hyperactivity' side of ADHD. I still remember an english teacher when I was at school describing my bad handwriting, and 'mimimalist' writing style in general, to my parents as 'his brain goes faster than his hand'.

[@maritimesteak8540]

I prefer the current diagnosis as an autistic just because it's easier to word. Instead of saying I'm on the autistic spectrum I have Asperger's syndrome. I believe fully owning that I am autistic is better

[@cotocoyerakson8195]

I can't really focus in a classroom, any other scenario I can get high grades at almost everything (except Physical Education), but I can't learn in a school. The noises is overwhelming, too much thing happening ar the same time

[@Jae-by3hf]

So the US insurance system (not medical field) is the reason I have to go on a long ass soliloquy about why I’m autistic? This has made life so hard for women like me, I prefer Aspergers/aspie (or renamed) because I do not fit the presentation of what people think is autism. I’m not put on this earth to educate people about my differences, its exhausting! Also did not know this about the waiting list! The NHS are so embarrassing, why would they be wasting resources & time on those already diagnosed? When there are those of us who are older & women who have been missed that urgently need to be seen🙄 Thank you for the info, this has been very helpful!

[@SangriaDracul]

Wow that was so interesting! I didn't know they changed the term so more people could get more support. And if that's the case, I'd rather we keep it that way since my daughter was diagnosed with lv 2 autism (Aspergers) and I don't know where we would be now without all the help and financial support we're getting, really! We wouldn't be able to afford her ABA therapy or even her preschool! The only reason we were able to enroll her in preschool was because of her diagnosis and she got an IEP which means we don't have to pay for her education (there's no way we'd be able to afford it right now) and just going to school and having contact with other children has been helping her so much! She's gonna be 4 in January and still not talking and I'm no expert in the subject by any means so I've always been super worried about it but seeing so many people with the same Aspergers, lv 2 autism diagnosis being so eloquent and independent makes me feel a lot better because I know I won't live forever and I just want her to be able to live a happy, independent life!

[@joelgrea6654]

I am pretty sure both terms are wrong. Autism describes people who have either more connectivity between neurons in their pre-frontal cortex or less connectivity, which will eventually leads to very different impact upon their brain functions. Hence it is absurd to use autism to describe both. From what I read, Asperger are just people with autism who have another neuronal characteristic that allows them to compensate some characteristic of their autism quite well. Using names that hides this type of things is only makes understanding what is going on harder.

[@carljacobitz6572]

I am a direct support worker for young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, providing home and community habilitation. I currently support 3 individuals with Autism, one having the specific diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome. I believe that for those of us who support these individuals, having this distinction of Asperger's syndrome, rather than just saying someone has high functioning Autism, allows one develop and execute a service plan which best suits the individual's needs. That is to say, that a diagnosis is not just a label that we slap on the back of an individual, but rather dictates what methods we use to best support that individual.

[@louielondonmedia4819]

Interesting video I was diagnosed with Asperger Syndrome in 1992; however, it wasn't a recognized condition in another of the nosology of the day, such as DSM and ICD. In 1993, it because recognized in ICD-10, and in 1994, DSM-4. The experts never gave me a definition for how this condition actually affects me, kept making stuff up such as defining me with traits of learning disabilities. So I decided to get re-diagnosed in 2009 on the NHS, and it still was of no use for me, as I never got a definition that was specific for me. There in 2024, I re-examined how it affects me, as I've never accepted it, being defined with learning disabilities, and hated the term syndrome. After all, I had achieve a university degree in social work, and I had worked as a social worker (no longer registered), so what I was told in my earlier life didn't make sense. During my re-examination, I discovered the term neuro-divergent, that various traits and similar conditions fitted in to this definition. Such as Dyslexia, Dyscalculic,, Dyspraxia,, ADHD, and Autism, to name a few. Basically, it is a way of defining a brain pattern that is about 20-25% different from the rest of the population, also known as Neuro-Typical. Liking the Divergent film series, I liked Neuro-divergent than Syndrome or Autism and with other aspects I had a diagnosis for, such as Dyslexia, I felt I could relate more to what the condition meant to me. Moreover, although I don't have a diagnosis of ADHD, I have noticed I have elements of this as well with how I organize myself, my life, and how easily I keep switching things, but forgetting to complete the previous task, and at time, I feel I am not getting enough stimulation contrasted with Autism as sometimes, my senses feel overly stimulated. Hope this is a useful way of defining a state of mind and welcome to part of the Neuro-Divergent (possibly the next step in human evolution) class of people!!!

[@j_vasey]

My son was diagnosed Asperger’s. I was diagnosed a decade later I was hit with high functioning asd. It confused me at the time. However I was diagnosed BPD years ago and only in the last year ASD and ADHD so I’m having a fun year. I like Asperger’s as a term and Aspies is cool too. Newcastle is a great city to have these issues though as now working with a theatre company on patreon, will upgrade later.

[@indie5499]

Thank you for doing this video. I was recently diagnosed about a year ago and I had a hard time figuring out that distinction when I kept telling myself I had Aspergers(pre-dx) but I was told I had ASD-1. I had imagined as you described "classic autism" and that is definitely not me.

[@wyomii]

If this were cancer, people would say everyone with any tumor is on the "cancer spectrum", with the expected reaction of "Oh I'm so sorry, how long do you have to live?" "It's a benign tumor. In my kidney." "..Oh." Lumping diagnoses together is just lazy medicine IMO. Also, I'm on the "deficiency spectrum", so I'm going to take a calcium supplement now. Hope it fixes my blurry eyesight(vitamin A deficiency), lol

[@AlexTheFruitcake]

Historically, Asperger syndrome was used as a diagnostic term for some autistic people who did not also have a diagnosis of a learning disability. Broadly, it is now agreed that what was referred to as Asperger syndrome is part of the autism spectrum and there is no need for a separate term. It was retired as an official diagnosis in 2013 with the new American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). Asperger's syndrome is now diagnosed as level 1 autism spectrum disorder (ASD), or autism with low support needs.

[@Altzix]

I agree that we should still distinguish between autism and Asperger's syndrome. Even though they have similarities, they have many differences that affect how they function. I'm glad you can tell the difference too❤

[@brandonlee7382]

I think im mild autistic with anxiety. Growing up I felt like I was in my own world, which is why I struggled to learn in school and couldn't read or write until near the end of primary school. I think gaming has perfected my reading skills and my phone had helped my typing. I want a job but I have anxiety and I do say what my anxiety is but people don't know how to help me. I honestly enjoy talking have hardware and technology way more than gaming. I've tried to fit in but I feel I still not happy. I'm 22 years old. I was going to the gym which I love the feeling after a gym session. I recently struggled to get to the gym because I feel im not good enough at travelling there. I say I'm struggling but people say it's my head but doesn't my head need to be good to keep other's safe on the road? I don't want to loose my 5 years of gym gains. But also want my life to change. I probably need to move out so I can learn how to live by myself and also I do eat so many snacks at night time and my lovely mum keeps stocking up the cupboard with nice snacks for every in the house but I get the snacks and my brain makes loads of reason why I need the snacks. I really hate not having snacks. It's an addiction eating snacks because it's the only way I'm happy. I believe I can get through this I just need things to stop being the same everyday because I'm too use to this bad cycle

[@tiaryan1350]

Aspergers is autism. Aspergers was autism without a speech delay. Autism- autism with speech delay. Thats the only difference. They are the SAME.

[@nopms]

"Aspie" is good with me.👍🏼

[@caveymoley]

Don't care what the current PC term for it is... I'm Aspie. I use the word Aspie, and I encourage friends and family to use Aspie. It's on the spectrum but it's (mostly) it's own thing when it comes to support and coping strategies and as a result, I feel it should have it's own ringfence, not just for diagnostic and clinical simplicity but also for general awareness. No one on the spectrum benefits from having their lines blurred with anyone else on the spectrum. So, use the lvl 1, 2 and 3 for diagnosis, but use the available categories as descriptors.

[@Slasherations]

Same. Aspergers isnt something a handfull of others give or take away its its own name/thinking thing. I hate that some bullies online think they could take away what others are using when it helps us.

[@jimm2600]

@@Slasherations Great comment!

[@FlamingCockatiel]

There is such a variety of autism experiences that I don't like throwing the former Asperger's under the blanket term. It can give people a better idea of roughly where one is and what rough adaptations might be required. Judging by what I've seen about autism and employment, throwing out Asperger's as a diagnosis hasn't really changed how people struggle to find stable employment. I also don't mind functioning labels, again for rough estimations.

[@caveymoley]

@@FlamingCockatiel 100%

[@whygmetz]

I agree! I have a college degree that procured myself and paid for myself. All labels suck. But it really sucks when you fully comprehend and understand them. We are different from autistic people. More complicated in some ways.

[@LucarioBoricua]

There's another issue with the previous diagnostic classifications under autism, which for Asperger's syndrome included an inconsistent application of the diagnosis because the 'classical' / 'Kanner's' autism didn't specify a requirement for intellectual disability or language delay. You'd have people who would have fitted one diagnosis better end up diagnosed with the other. Another problematic classification that's talked about less often, is the Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), which was more of a dumpster for people who were 'kinda autistic' but didn't meet the diagnostic criteria for any of the other diagnostic labels. Somehow this one doesn't get talked about enough, even though this label was problematic in that it wasn't eligible for formal accommodations and treatment, except perhaps in Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in some schools. The third issue is that an autistic person can be disabled due to sensory differences, social communication difficulties or restricted / repetitive behavior, without involving language difficulties or intellectual disability. Nowadays, people like this would most likely be diagnosed as level 2 support needs autistics, even if in the past they would also fit the Asperger's criteria. A fourth issue with rapidly growing awareness is the high rate of co-occurrence of ADHD and Autism, and the grossly erroneous misconception of clinical practice considering both diagnoses as mutually exclusive, since fixed with the DSM-5. A lot of people had either condition overlooked because the symptoms of one were far more prominent than the other. A really common case was for verbal and average-to-high intelligence individuals with both ASD and ADHD, or at least ASD with some ADHD traits, getting an ADHD diagnosis but not the ASD diagnosis, because the ADHD being deemed 'more treatable'. Many of these cases would have fallen under the previous Asperger's syndrome diagnostic category, but with co-morbid ADHD or at least elevated ADHD traits. A fifth issue is ableism itself. People with higher support needs and/or higher impairment from conditions causing them disability are often denied agency, like they're not allowed to communicate on their own or advocate for themselves in treatment and in social situations. Conversely, people whose conditions don't result in as great support needs or impairment, are instead denied support, told to 'grow up' and 'whine less', despite the great effort they go through to compensate or mask their conditions. And a sixth issue is the lack of formal vocabulary to describe neurological differences absent of impairment / disability. As in, how are people supposed to call themselves if they show lots of autistic traits and who feel different from typical people, especially if said traits don't cause significant impairment that would justify a formal diagnosis or treatment? The only term I've been reading for this that's somewhat formal is the Broader Autism Phenotype (BAP).

[@Choppy698]

Hiya Dan, I've just subscribed to your channel yesterday (16/09/24), what you put on is interesting, I was diagnosed at 41 with Autism, this is Choppy

[@rachelheyth3645]

I am who I am. Labels are useless and lead to conclusions drawn without the back story.

[@balrogmorgoth2360]

Things like this are happening with ASD label. My friend with Aspergers got into the autism therapy, and his help didn't even include help with social difficulties but help with sensory issues and meltdowns which he doesn't have. I heard asperger kids being mushed in with autistic kids and teachers not even interacting with aspie kids,cus they don't know what to do with them. The execution of ASD label turned out to be very poor in terms of knowing how to help each individual. But Aspergers may had that a little bit better, however Aspergers is also in itself one sided and and incomplete, has way too many stigma attached to it aswell, which harm aspie girls the most. And think about all the people who were fitting autism diagnosis as a child and in adulthood they fit aspergers.

[@chriskaufman2262]

It should be called Executive Function Disorder. If it is a hardwire problem, then it shouldn't be defined behaviorally, only diagnosed behaviorally.

[@Nongamergirl]

I have had many names over my lifetime. Nicknames when I was a kid, different nicknames in college, the name on my birth certificate, my maiden name, Mom, teacher etc. It doesn't change who I am. I work with all kinds of kids on the spectrum. They are all individuals. One four year old can read at a 1st grade level, but can't follow one step instructions. Others can do amazing artwork above their grade level, but still be almost nonverbal and have to use sign language or devices to communicate. Other who can count and spell if you can stop the echolalia long enough for them to show you what they know. Some with sound sensitivities so terrible they have to wear noise canceling headphones almost 24/7, and some that can't wear socks. They are all extremely intelligent, fun and lovable. I wouldn't want to put a label on any of them. As Autism awareness becomes more and more a topic of conversation, the individuals themselves will have to find a way of describing who they are as people as they grow. "I'm a dog person, and I don't like scratchy socks." They may not choose to label themselves at all.

[@melaniewantsabeer243]

I honestly wish they would just call it Asperger's syndrome because I I have a rough time explaining the mini levels of autism that I land and it's confusing for them and me Most people don't even know that what ASD means

[@SebbyPlaysMusic]

Diagnosed last year at 33. I preferred aspie for a while because I didn't want people to misunderstand. My, what a silly thought that seems like now. Misunderstandings will continue to occur until people embrace education of what autism fully entails, or perhaps more pertinently, accept the details of the well-being of all people. Y'know, listening and not judging can be as visceral of a process as survival instincts, it's just getting people used to healthy dynamics. Not that anyone should be judged for identifying how they want to if they find Asperger's suitable, of course.

[@burns_o_matic]

I don't think the long wait lists for diagnosis have anything to do with the reclassification, seeing as that happened 11 years ago. It has way more to do with increased awareness of Autism and Autistic traits, due in large part to wonderful creators, such as yourself, who are sharing their knowledge, research, and lived experience. ❤ Edit: I misheard you the first time through and missed the bit about people having to be re-diagnosed, which is just an inefficient decision for the healthcare world to make; I would have thought that if one was already diagnosed with Asperger's, their previous diagnosis would just get updated to match the current ASD terminology. Silly me, thinking healthcare systems would operate efficiently in any way, lol. Second edit to add that I love your shirt design!!! Soooo accurate.

[@got2kittys]

If you say Aspergers, people have a different perception of you, than identifying as Autistic. What they know or dont know doesn't enter into it, if they're uninformed, it's easier to say nothing unless you know them very well.

[@Zarathustran]

Like the orange hat. That aside, props to you for pointing-out (even if inadvertently) that the ACTUAL problematic aspect of the Asperger's dx is that mischaracterizing "effective" pediatric masking as "autism lite" (needing no support) is what leads to the decompensatory development of more support needs in adulthood. Even though we're all the better for it, I think it was just petty neurotypicality that sought to invalidate Asperger's work. Because it's neurotypical AF to not be able to figure out AdolfH was autistic (so HAsperger was just AdolfH's proxy agent for displacing self-hatred). ASPD and BPD are adult-onset sequelae of predisposing ASD under the perturbation of adult stressors. Like brutality. And parenthood. Which sending a developmentally delayed individual into World War I combat made abundantly obvious if we're ACTUALLY thinking neurodivergently (independently pursuing objective truth rather than ratifying extraverted deferral to consensus). Musk likes to claim he's an aspie to separate himself from Putin, Zuckerberg, Buffett et al IMO, but (like them and AdolfH) he's also a sociopath stuck in the delayed postregression narcissistic developmental stage the rest of us negotiate 15 or 20 years late.

[@cyndigooch1162]

@Zarathustran It's two months later now and it's a huge coincidence about the election, as well as Donald Tump and Elon Musk's behaviour. 😕

[@ZeonGenesis]

I do appreciate the term 'aspergers', because I've noticed that in aspie groups people just think and analyze in a certain way that I really relate to. Their symptoms/traits are very alike my own, whereas if I try to relate to level 1 or level 2, I don't necessarily relate as much. And for me, it's just so important to be able to find people to connect with, because there really aren't many. And indeed, the discussion on Hans Asperger is not as cut and dry as many make it out to be, from what I read he tried to save a lot of autistic lives from the nazis and argued for our strengths instead of deficits. I imagine it must have taken guts to speak up against a terrible regime that wanted to annihilate everyone with disabilities, so I certainly hold some appreciation and understand the situation was not all black and white. Another point for the diagnosis Asperger's is that not all countries have updated to the ICD11 in Europe, which means my country (Denmark) for example still does operate with Asperger's, PDD-NOS, etc. It's because it apparently takes an enormous amount of time to translate ICD11 into Danish and until then they use ICD-10 (except for ADHD). I am currently under evaluation and could likely end up with the Asperger's diagnosis, so it would just be weird to not be able to tell others my actual diagnosis because it's not politically correct. Oh, btw, your ad cut your sentence off which means I forgot what you said when the ad ended.

[@knowideas7184]

I personally refer to myself as a “sperg” 😂🤷🏽‍♂️ it makes me laugh and I don’t take things too seriously unless it’s required.

[@Jae-by3hf]

😂 I love it!

[@PirateOfTheNorth]

A prefer Asperger’s or high functioning autism to describe myself. My brother has classic autism.

[@hyperben1985]

I think Asperger’s vs Autism clearly separates these things into too categories, but the problem is there are too many people who sit on that dividing line. The same person could receive either diagnosis depending on the bias of the assessor and the presentation at the time of the assessment. So I completely get why it’s all been lumped into one “spectrum”, as it just makes sense to make it broader rather than black and white. There’s is no definitive test for ASD that gives a definite outcome like there is with a physical condition. It’s all based on interpretation against a diagnostic criteria and is subject to bias. The psychologist who assessed me said she is not even keen on levels 1, 2 and 3 because someone who is a level 1 one day could be a level 2 six months later if their environmental issues are triggered more frequently due to circumstance, and they may have far greater support needs as a result, yet they’re still the same person. In a different environment they could have no support needs at all. I think we need to focus on educating NT people so that understand ASD as that’s the main issue to my mind, rather than trying to label ourselves differently to suit the ignorance of NT people (and quite a few ND people I’ve met too).