A phrase that grinds my gears

@Miram Though there is debate, it's widely accepted everyone is on the spectrum to some degree. The problem is there isn't enough info on autism to fully understand how it affects most people. Most of the research is focused on the ASDs but there are things that don't fall under the ASD label that we call autism (eg Rett Syndrome). The terminology here is confusing and very interchangeable but as far as I'm aware, not all disorders on the spectrum are called Autism Spectrum Disorders which is why it's hard to understand.

@Qwerty14

This is so vague.

Who is debating that [b]everyone[/b] is on the spectrum?

Rett syndrome stopped being considered a part of the spectrum once the genetic mutation was identified. I am not sure who still calls it autism when you say WE?

A side note, not everyone who has autism will be fine with you creating special rules to deal with them. It depends on the person. You have to spend time with them to figure out their needs and their preferences.

@Miram I actually read multiple sites on this very debate and they did bring up the idea that some autistic people may feel their condition is marginalised. But the overwhelming conclusion was that it mostly does good as it unites everyone and minimises the stigma that autism carries. A lot of autistic people feel isolated from others and abnormal but when they hear everyone is on the spectrum it lets them know they're not.

When I said it's widely accepted, I actually couldnt see a site debating that the phrase "everyone is on the spectrum" was false. Though many did point out that everyone doesn't have a diagnosis of ASD, many people who do have the genetics for it might not be diagnosed as having ASD anyway as they don't show enough social complications to be given the label. This highlights yet again that ASD doesn't include all autistic people. You said Rett shouldn't be included but even that is very controversial and widely debated among people.

Lastly, I'm not "creating special rules to deal with them". I just pointed out a silly peeve within the English language. I have no plans to make anyone do anything, especially when it comes to autistic people. The whole point of autism being a spectrum is there is no one size fits all rule.

@Qwerty14

I would like to see these articles. I don't know anyone professional currently claiming EVERYONE is on the spectrum.

It's better to accept differences instead of deny they exist.

[quote]You said Rett shouldn't be included but even that is very controversial and widely debated among people.[/quote]

No, I didn't say it shouldn't be included. I know for a fact it's not included anymore. It has been removed. Feel free to consult the DSM-5 for confirmation.

You seem to be talking about laymen opinions and understanding of words. When words like autism are used by general population it can be twisted and changed..Same for spectrum.

In academics there is unified lexicon which I am sure you know. We can't be using different personal meanings. And when we dare do that, we have to define and justify the changes.

I have been in healthcare for a while , medical genetics in fact. Rett syndrome isn't something new to me. I am very familiar with it. I also have sibling who are diagnosed with ASD.

My last note isn't about you not understanding what spectrum means in psychiatry and psychology. It's a general remark in relation to the last question in your thread.

I think a lot of people misunderstand ASD. They think it's about similarities in behaviors..they see couple of kids behaving certain way and they think it's proper diagnosis because they've seen other kids who are diagnosed do the exact same thing.

[i]Oh he is behaving like an autistic
[/i] That is very stupid. ASD also eat, does that mean everyone who eats is autistic?

Getting a diagnosis requires several sessions with a professional. And even then, there might and have been misdiagnosis, and over-diagnosis.

Never-mind someone untrained doing it.

You brought up genes in autism. about 100 genes are [b]linked [/b]to autism. Linked being the keyword. There is no genetic test used to diagnose autism.

It would be like using genetic test to diagnose diabetes when the genes aren't even activated, just present in your DNA.

Genes in these context determine likehood, not whether or not the person has ASD.

@Miram Fair enough. You seem to give far more shits than I do about this, so even though I don't agree with you, I'm willing to concede as I'm not up for the debate at all.

@Qwerty14 This isn't about debating, this is about learning.

Anyway, I uploaded the DSM-5 for you so you can check for yourself. page 57, differential diagnosis.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Mv3zRZaubnEvPR_SF8bUd9oV45NgbcjD/view?usp=sharing

The articles you're reading are most likely outdated or written outside academics.

Of course I give shit.