Autism vs Aspergers (What YOU NEED To Know)

[@michele219]

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

[@AndreaHausberg-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.

[@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

[@Flopsi80]

The description of Aspergers fits me perfectly.

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@paulguise698]

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

[@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

[@happyhovsehomestead5354]

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

[@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 😥

[@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).

[@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. 😊

[@Undel_]

I came up with ASPIE = Autism Spectrum Presenting Individual Experiences

[@etcwhatever]

Very cool. Makes sense

[@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.

[@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.

[@AuraDawn_Health]

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

[@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.

[@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?

[@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。❤

[@kevinreid2720]

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

[@GoldenHoney1111]

My son has level 2 autism and he can talk he's super smart I love him so much asperger I didn't know about until 2 years ago

[@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.

[@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!

[@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 !

[@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.

[@CreativeRootzPortugal]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 :).

[@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.

[@Nwladylaura369]

👍 I explain I have Asperger's. Although I don't get help since I am retired. Would have been nice to have gotten help back in the day.

[@tazyou11]

Dan, thanks so much for bringing this up. I was diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome, because the DSM-V hadn't come out yet. I identified so much with that term then after the DSM-V came out everything seem to change. I know it's just a change in the terminology, but just it's hard explaining to others the difference. I think bringing back the Asperger's terminology would be so much better. Saying you are on the Autism Spectrum is like saying you are more savory or more sweet depending on what side you are on, if that makes sense. By the way, I am one of your first subscribers, so I am on all your other socials. I love your content, always gives me something to think about. Just one other thing. Are you still on Virtual Reality? I have been enjoying killing zombies lately, Walkabout mini golf has a new course coming out today called Mars gardens. Imagine playing golf on Mars. Puzzling Places is a lot of fun too building 3D puzzles. Then there is Angry Birds VR, Tetris Effect, Fruit Ninja and this fairly new one called Exit 8 VR where you search for anomalies in a Japanese subway station. It gets a little scary, but still is fun. Anyways, take care Dan. Much love. 😊❤

[@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!

[@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

[@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 individual. I totally respect the individual right to self-identify, but personally I really do not like Aspergers, 'levels' or functioning labels.

[@hartplanet356]

IMHO The basic conditions of Autism are the same for all Autistic people; it is how all Autistic people relate to each other. It is the co-existing conditions (comorbidities) that will dictate how abled or disabled an Autistic person is. The co-exisiting conditions are what makes each Autistic person unique. I hope people are being treated for their co-existing conditions they have no matter which level of Autism they have been placed in.

[@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.

[@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

[@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.

[@ThesilBmfm]

The Anschluss was the outcome of a referendum, and the German NSDAP was very firm with Austrian national socialists to ensure there wasn't the slightest _whiff_ of coercion. The way to think about the referendum is that it was like 'Brexit' : the entire system was completely biased in one direction and tried and tried to prevent the outcome desired by the populace. Don't be surprised, when you're 80, when you find that your great grandkids are being taught in school that 'Brexit' was a brutal and highly unpopular take-over of the political system by violent criminals against the masses of the people who were intimidated and influenced by misinformation and everything else. (I'm not banging the drum for Brexit, although I do think _the Anschluss_ made a lot of sense and was a good chance at an equitable peace for Europe, but sadly Churchill and others were _determined_ to have a war, so war is what we had, and of course, just as 'Brexit' gets blamed for a lot of things that have nothing to do with it, the Anschluss is in the firing line constantly. I'm not saying this as a rabid Brexiteer however: on the contrary a high degree of cooperation and regulatory harmonisation with Europe makes perfect sense, and rather than the little island having to ape everything, it was a good idea for us to have a seat at the table in my opinion. The Jew Arnold Schoenberg considered himself a German nationalist, not Austrian at that time though, and the idea that there's really nothing about 'the Eastern Reich' that's in any way _German_ is a bit wacky in my view.) It drives me crazy that people take that view of Asperger's, that it's a Nazi thing and hence bad. Kanner was a total psychopath - as well as most likely a plagiarist as you alluded. Psychiatry/psychology is full of horrible ideas even today. America in the 1940s was _all in_ on eugenics and selective sterilization. They led the way! Britain wasn't much better and neither was Russia, although it was a _little_ better but it's hard to tell because of the pervasive horribleness of the first half of the Soviet period. (Ironically the part the liberal lefties _loved_ lol) Germany was bad in broadly the same ways that England or France were bad. America actively had colour-bar segregation for Pete's sake! I'll fight to the death to defend the right of yourself, and Kenn, and the other super-cool KZbinrs who like the term 'Asperger Syndrome', to use it without getting piled on. *But* I'm personally against it, having listened carefully to the arguments. Why? Because it's just "high functioning" by another label. The idea is basically that if someone can do an ever-shifting set of core things (usually talking, holding down a job and having romantic relationships are central but it shifts) then they're 'functional', whereas if they can't do those particular things then they're not. Well what if your romantic life's been nothing but a series of disasters because of double empathy problems, you're always seen as weird and problematic in the workplace, and your academic history's a combination of high and low performance that's been at times outright castrophic! Not so 'functional' to be honest, especially if it leaves you suicidal, feeling crazy and irrationally/inexplicably _hated_ by society, reliant on hardcore drinking or whatever, and most of your successes have been due to chance! It's not that 'functioning' has no utility at all, but it's far better to make things more precise, and the first important part of that is separating care needs from mental constitution. Autism isn't a sliding scale, but care needs kind of _are_ - you either need help dressing and washing yourself or you don't, and if you _do_ then you'd probably benefit from having someone to go with you to certain things whether it's stressful appointments or shopping. It might not be a _totally neat_ sliding scale from low to high, and there might be 'nodes' along the way where key activities are located; but it _is_ kind of a continuum with zero at one end and shitloads at the other. Our minds are nothing like that lol Take me: I'm hyperlexic, great with money, rubbish at personal care (dressing self is hit&miss in ridiculous ways that I don't find obvious or simple), struggle with short term memory but have excellent encyclopoedic knowledge of some things, terrible at diplomacy and concise communication, and awful at working in groups. My sensory problems are relatively minor and relatively rare, and I rarely melt down and when I do it'll be laughing fits and inappropriate crying, rather than breaking stuff and kicking people. On the other hand, some of the ways that I've offended and upset people have been very important to them and I've been clueless as other people are left thinking I'm the Devil. This is not the profile of a 'high functioning' person; it's a 'rich' person who pisses himself and is seen as obnoxious. (Not actually rich, but in our consumerist society if you're not living paycheck to paycheck and giving everything to the corporations, you're rich.) I wouldn't fit on a sliding scale where 'high functioning clever people who aren't about to become destitute' are at one end and [whatever people think the other end looks like] at the other. I can't really embrace a model that involves 'high and low functioning' because it just strikes my logical brain as incorrect. There are completely non-verbal people who are far more productive and socially accepted than I am, while there are people who are far more talented and rational than I am who find living their life harder than I do. Our 'traits' are all over the shop. Even if we meticulously separate care needs from mental constitution, it's still not a straight line, but more like a mad pine cone. Whatever your reasons are for finding Asperger's a useful way to communicate your differences and identity to other people, I'm all for it. You don't harm anyone else by using a label that wouldn't work _for them_ and even if you as a sole individual resigned yourself to yet another social compromise that makes no sense, for the benefit of people talking down to you and making you fit their idea of 'appropriateness' it wouldn't make the slightest difference to the distorted ways that society and the general public think and speak about us. There's a long way to go until it'll be truly safe to be an autistic person in society, and throwing _you_ off the bus for using the 'wrong word' isn't something anyone I know would think is sensible or reasonable.

[@KArma_Unicorn]

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.

[@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!!!

[@nopms]

"Aspie" is good with me.👍🏼

[@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!

[@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.

[@angelikaolscher7104]

I don't know why you still publish this. The diagnosis is not given anymore. So I am genuinely confused.

[@xxxnarurto5747]

Because he allowed to 😱😂🤦‍♀️

[@LucarioBoricua]

You'd be surprised. A lot of jurisdictions don't use the latest version of the DSM, or use other mental health diagnostic standards that still recognize the various autism diagnostic categories. Say, under the 10th version of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10), ADHD was still called hyperkinetic disorder, and ASD had the distinct diagnostic categories separate. Its successor and now current version, the ICD-11, which entered into effect as of January 2022 (not yet 3 years as of September 2024). It takes some time before these standards go from being declared current / official until the whole medical and mental health system updates its procedures to use the latest standard. Plus, you have people who were diagnosed before the changes in the diagnostic categories and criteria, they might still refer to their conditions using the older terms if they feel it's the right thing to do.

[@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

[@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".

[@specialuset8022]

Asperger’s and autism are literally the same thing. There’s no reason to create this division in the community and to be using all these different labels and terms. Just say you’re autistic.

[@randy9680]

I think Asperger's could be a useful shortcut term for level 1 ASD, possibly just within the community or something.

[@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! 😫

[@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).

[@paulguise698]

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

[@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.

[@Tobnosh]

I do also like Aspergers as it was the word for the diagnose and as you said if you call yourself autistic then you are too healthy to be one for some as they know someone that are also but need that 24/7 support. so its kind of an invisible diagnose if you just meet the first few min or so but may notice it after some time but it all depends on the settings and i havent thougt that is was from one that had it as a last name belived it was some kind vegetable term for the diagnose. it might even be most aspi dont mind the term as it fit the routine and pattern and there are no real reason to have it changed sa they allready gotten a word for it as a start

[@jazzcat1056]

This makes sense to me. I think they should keep Asperger’s diagnosis. My daughter has Autism and is just like you described. Her issues are quite more substantial.

[@deniset1714]

Hmm, things to ponder.

[@NatachaWasylykVinette]

I prefer aspie but I guess ether are fine witn me. Great video, Dan, as isual! 😊

[@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.

[@Brittleighlee]

I find low support asd lets people actually respect my rough days more. I am worried about being grouped in with level 3 sometimes because it can impact my ability to get visas and could increase my insurances and Australia was looking at banning some autistic people from driving etc so I chose to not go ahead with official diagnosis post doing the testing I asked it to be omitted due to the potential that I would be discriminated against trying to do things that I love From a New Zealand Audhd human 🥰

[@AndrewRusherLDS]

Aspergers was dropped because of the Nazi thing & it was easier to just say Autism so they merged the two into ASD.

[@angelabrooke5059]

Yes, but it has made the term autism meaningless.

[@carinaluxford241]

I'm happy to use the term Asperger's as well as autistic.

[@maddywheeler791]

I would like the term Aspergers to come back, but as a classification of Autism or ASD. I was diagnosed with Aspergers when I was in middle school, and the change of terms just never felt quite right. Also, I can't find where the Hans Aspergers video is linked in the description. I plan to just look on the channel page itself, but I wish it was easier to find straight from this video.

[@cuca_]

Please can you link the videos about Hans Asperger in the description? 😊 grateful for your channel!

[@RanchHanded]

I don't even know how to find resources here in Australia (Melbourne) to diagnose but I know I experience most of the things you describe as being associated with Aspergers. Or high functioning autism. Therapists haven't really known what to say or do when I ask if it may be contributing to various life issues (relationships, getting things done, self-esteem). But I'd think a label that isn't the same as those with more pronounced needs would be helpful, even if its just to show you're not over dramatizing.

[@AG-yj1jv]

I just wish I didn't need either one to get the help & support I need.

[@MrDaydreamer1584]

They (DSM committee) should have asked us what we wanted.

[@melissamiller2696]

I like Aspergers. I recently learned I was autistic at 76. Try explaining that to family or friend. Aspergers seems to make more sense to them, since I am very smart and have achieved a lot. Tell them I'm autistic, and they are so muddled they can't continue talking about any other subject. They are trying to process the information. So Aspergers is way easier. Of course, I'm hardly involved with any medical interventions considering I don't need to adjust to school or work. So maybe it doesn't work for those people.

[@ImGronmossa]

I dont mind Asperger's which is probably what I will be diagnosed with when I finally will come see the doc's about it. Have waited for 2 years now. I did the same procedure like 12 years back, but that doc rold me definitely not had autism or aspergers because I could have eye contact. That was the Only reason he gave me. So now im waiting for a new at another hospital

[@cybertrekker4274]

Negating an affirmative diagnosis primarily on the point of eye contact is ostensibly nothing other than quackery.

[@shannonsmith924]

I always thought Asperger’s were part of ADHD. But now I do remember it was part of Autism. I got it mixed up because I have ADHD and suspected I could have Asperger’s.

[@TheAspieWorld]

Thank you so much for the comment!

[@bhutjolokia6990]

Autism is a reference point for everyone on the spectrum and in my point of view Aspergers falls under this umbrella of Autism. My nephew who when younger was thought to have aspergers but is definitely on the spectrum and believe he also has ADHD, he is probably a bit more ADHD forward where I on the other hand am autism forward as compared with how I present, I'm a heavy stimmer and stutter and stammer but my disabilities were masked extremely heavily my brain rewired. My Autism never spoke before a year ago and my thought to speech is coming from a different part of my brain. My ADHD was my voice most of my life and he does not stutter when talking. My ADHD knows what to say fluidly and no thought. My Autism is direct thought to speech hence the stutter and stammering. My granddaughter started non verbal but at 5 and 3rd year in school she is becoming way more social and stims a lot like i do. She is level 2 and was diagnosed as an infant now is it possible for her to excel to being a self-sufficient member of society, absolutely yes it is. I guess I would not personally use it to describe myself if i were given that as a diagnosis but it's just a personal feeling that i have that does not warrant a specific name to explain what i have because it's still technically a broad spectrum in and of itself. The biggest thing for me though is it's not important in my mind to focus on descriptor words as a disability that do not explain what i have. I do have a slew of special abilities that outweigh the conundrum of word choices so my thoughts conclude the simplest solution. Introspective is a good descriptor of my abilities, intelligence is another, artistic, hyperfocused on tasks, a very observant learner. You know more about me than if i just said I'm autistic and have adhd and was also gifted wih being an empath. Be Introspective to really know yourself, then you can learn to accept yourself so you can ultimately be yourself. I appreciate the video and it put my mind into being introspective, thank you!!👻🤪🌶🤘😎♾️

[@Enchantica1961]

I paid for a private diagnosis via an NHS consultant as the waiting lists here in the UK are so long. I was diagnosed with Asperger's last year when I was 62 years old. I feel concerned that I got the term Asperger's as a diagnosis and not ASD as many in the autistic community say that Asperger's is out dated and no longer diagnosed or relevant. I do consider myself autistic and use that term if I discuss it with anyone. If I use the term Asperger's folks seem to think I must have a super power like Rainman which is annoying! Sometimes I have to explain that autism is a spectrum with differing levels of support. Sometimes I have to explain about masking and how that works but that's ok.

[@CassandraElkin]

I think the DSM is more or less bull; it mashed things together that are only vaguely related, or has separate diagnoses for conditions that are nearly identical. I wish they would simply use it for what I believe is the only thing it's really good for -a guide to help medical professionals determine what, if any, medications might help a given patient. And ASC would be much better. I don't have a disorder, there is nothing wrong with me. I simply have a different and mostly incompatible operating system from most people. Which explains why I didn't get the memo on so many things that "everybody knows"

[@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.

[@NickSBailey]

it makes sense to have one word for the diverse range of traits and deficits, it's not as simple as this set of people who are autistic and have learning difficulties, and this other set of people who are autistic but don't, it's a kaleidoscope of skills and struggles that doesn't fit neatly into two poles or even neatly on a scale of severe to mild, it's more complicated, same reason "high functioning" doesn't fit either. As for Hans Asperger his links to the nazi party are doctumented on wiki, also seems to have lumped autism in with psychopathic conditions and is one of the ones responsible for spreading the false idea we lack empathy, he's an important part of history but not something I want a condition I have named after.

[@mrmrlee]

Worst thing ever was the DSM V removing Asperger's syndrome.

[@genevievearchbaker8604]

In my country they've put asperger in the autism package... whenever I tell people I'm autistic, theyre confused. If I tell those same people, that I have asperger, they understand and ask if I need any help 😂

[@IaconDawnshire]

I have PDD-NOS.

[@jackiemitchell8869]

I can see why they would want to change ASD to ASC as we are not disordered but have a nerological condition.

[@piperarcher9706]

I feel like the infighting conversations delute the takeaway of the conversation to be "we are all unique humans". Everyone wants to call themselves what they individually want, which is fine one on one... but when we are looking for a GENERAL acceptance/ GENERAL understanding It may be more helpful to getting our community on the same page. Honestly, I dont feel any of these lables are helpful anymore. People are getting label-fatiuged, and it's frustrating. There's too much mudding the waters and distracting from the actual issues people with autism face because we can't even get the labels and terminology clear. Language is supposed to help us be understood. These conversations seem to cause more confusion not less for the people we are trying to communicate with, ie the people who dont understand. I would understand what someone who calls themselves an Aspie meant, I know what lvl 1. Low support needs, on the spectrum, neurodivergent, neurospicy etc means because im in the community and trying understand myself. Other people out of this community are not obligated to go out of their way to educate thelmselves so why is it being made so complicated to explain?

[@duskonanyavarld1786]

All people with Asperger syndrome (AKA autistic psychopathy) have autism but not all autists have Aspergers. I like autism more, more people means more power. We need a pan autism movement or even better a pan disability movement.

[@hollygF1M]

What about the ones who are intensely intelligent like Mathematicians Artists Writers Physicists etc., who have difficulty with social communication &/or high sensitivity to light and sound? This sounds like ‘Asperger’s’ is truly not much different than ASD L2/3

[@anjaliadhikari4673]

I suspect autism in my 13-month-old baby boy. He doesn’t respond to his name but loves watching us when we sing or make faces; he makes eye contact and giggles. He shows joint interest when he likes what we are doing. He doesn’t point at what he wants but drags my hand to what he needs. He also plays purposefully with a few toys. What do you think-could his autism be level 1, 2, or 3? I know it’s early to tell at this age, but I’d like an honest answer.

[@neurodiversityalumni]

Great explanation. Something that I would find interesting is to see a video about how sometimes you hear that someone might say,, I'm not autistic, I'm German. I do know for sure that Northern Germans think and act like I do and I'm autistic or should I say, I have Aspergers. But I still find it interesting that Northern Germans are almost all of them like this as well. It's kind of like living on Vulcan with Spock. What are your thoughts? Thanks so much for this video.

[@luisafernandes8929]

I am an autistic EPIC PLAYER Actor.

[@etcwhatever]

Yeah i was diagnosed as having the aspergers profile but they had to put autism 1 on my evaluation report.

[@leoniemarks4594]

Aspergers is quite prevalent in my family: 3 of my parents' 4 grandchildren have it to varying degrees. The way it has been handled by social services is also very different (we live in Kent, North London and Yorkshire). It is noteworthy that NONE of these grandchidren can get/hold down a job. My daughter was diagnosed at 4, my niece around the same age, and my nephew was older: he's the only one living in some sort of assisted care. My daughter is the only one who has had any sort of job (she's now 30). Now, this autism has to have come from somewhere. My dad admitted in his 70s that he thought he had some level of it himself (the attention to detail, for example). However, my maternal side has produced a severely 'full autistic' girl (my cousin's daughter) which tells me that it has to have come from my mother's side somewhere - but none of my mum's family have presented any symptoms (apart from D). Of myself and my 3 brothers, I can't recognise it in any of us - yet 3 of us have produced an autistic offspring. My husband shows several signs of aspergers - lack of attention, never makes eye-contact and, despite being married for over 30 years STILL can't 'learn' to load the dishwasher, do tasks properly. My daughter also thinks she got it from him - however, there doesn't appear to be any other sign of it in his side of the family. So, genetics are a bit screwed here!

[@DulinaBandara]

Can you do what happens to autistic kids when they become adults and how strong interests support success.

[@martinhope6542]

I'm 53 been struggling my whole life, after a hospital stay it was suggested I had autism and a diagnosis from has been submitted to my GP. I just do not no what this all means advice can't stop reviewing my whole life trough this new lens that I don't understand.

[@etcwhatever]

As you investigate autism you will discover strategies to make your life better. I know what you mean...to accept being autistic and realize why life was a certain way is a kind of existential Crisis. But I got my diagnosis last year. I'm 35 now

[@kittywolf8081]

I use auti fabulous in our house 😊

[@Which-Craft]

I'm okay with just being ASD for exactly the reasons you stated. It is extremely difficult to make people understand that an Aspie may require support even if they can hold a job. The difficulties with communication, social interaction, sensory overload, etc. are very real, and it seems NTs don't or won't understand if you don't use the word Autism.

[@nataliebriggs1340]

hi Dan sorry I haven't been around in a while I find it difficult if my routine gets messy up i get very angry ❤

[@YesBruv105]

Thank you so much for this video. I much prefer Asperges as a term. I would feel very uncomfortable saying 'I have Autism'.

[@TheAspieWorld]

Thank you so much for the comment!

[@paulinebell4873]

further down the spectrum it is sure enough a disorder. thank you for this very useful and informative clip

[@christ010]

i still dont understand... so what is the difference between stage 1 autism and asperger?

[@Larka661]

I use the term aspergers syndrome whether people like it or not. At least people know what you're talking about when you say aspergers syndrome.

[@inspectre27]

Everything I need to know is that you won't let go of an outdated term (which also happens to be the name of an actual Nazi) that is no longer considered medically viable and is not included in any *current* medical or diagnostic literature. Unsubscribe.

[@dunnbradstreet4106]

I have infantile severe Aspergers used to be called autism. Aspie was an upgrade for me. MisDx'd autistic when actually profoundly Aspergers. Go figure. _I'_ trying.😢

[@BananaJeansG]

That is very interseting - I was resently diagnosed with both ADHD and Asbergers, but I've had the understanding that 1) most people don't know abput Asbergers and 2) if they do, that diagnosis is more ill seen.. or something, I'm not sure. So to make it easier I just say I have autism. Also even easier to type AuDHD than both term/conditions. I did'nt know anything about the possible connection to the nazi's - only heard from a friend who also have ADHD and potential autism/aspergers, that the use of the term Asbergers is being used less and less, possibly bc of what you told about how th US works around it. OH and right now I also remembered that in my gymnasium (Danish "high school") there were special calsses for people with Aspergers with few students pr calssroom, and they were talked about more like how ypu describe the "classic" autism by the teachers... so that probably also formed my understanding of the diagnosis as "worse" than autism/what I experince. Hope it makes sense.

[@4aneme8R]

They can be from each other using an FMRI. I objected when APA collapsed it into ASD.