A phrase that grinds my gears

You wanna know what grinds my gears... When people say the phrase "he/she is on the spectrum". That spectrum can refer to many things. Most commonly I've heard it used for someone with autism but it isn't exclusively used for that.

Why do I get annoyed by the phrase... Because if something is a spectrum then we are likely to all be on it. That's just how spectrums work. And with autism, this is very much the case as well. Everyone is on the spectrum, just very few of us are at the end of it that gets diagnosed as autism. I'd much prefer that you instead told me "he/she has Aspergers/Rett/PDD/social communication disorder/etc", or even just say autism. Like it's more accurate, informative and creates a lot more awareness of the specific needs of the person.

Anyway this is just a pet peeve. If you are autistic, feel free to weigh in. Especially about your preferences. Would love to hear how you guys feel about the terminology 😊

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RubySoo · 56-60, F

I worked with kids for the best part of 20 years and have assisted kids who were 'on the spectrum'.
A number had a confirmed diagnosis but many more were considered 'on the spectrum'.
Yet many others, not officially 'on the spectrum' showed behaviours associated with ASD.
I do feel that ASD is a bit of a 'cop out' bunching a broad range of people under the same under umberella. And i can comfirm that is a huge umberella! Ive been expected to support group of ASD kids in the classroom in the past.....and their needs are all so very different.

Qwerty14

@RubySoo Thank you. That was very well said. This is kind of what I mean. Saying only people diagnosed as having ASD are "on the spectrum" can be problematic. Also saying your kid is "on the spectrum" without really knowing that child's specific characteristics and needs isn't very helpful. It would be nice if the language we use helped better reflect the individuals that deal with autism

RubySoo · 56-60, F

@Qwerty14 it isn't helpful when it comes to ensuring they get the best interventions ( where necessary) to help or support their individual needs. Grouping them together isnt helpful for anyone. ASD doesnt even hint at their academic ability or specific needs. It doesnt even start.

Miram · 31-35, F

It is academically called autism spectrum disorder because there are varying degrees of certain traits, and traits.

I don't think that spectrum means you're ALL on it.

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Miram · 31-35, F

@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.

Qwerty14

@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.

Miram · 31-35, F

@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.

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