“Wrong.
In fact, because there is now a spectrum basically on account of recognizing and then allowing in Asperger's (and the fad it became), no one 'has' Autism anymore. Nope, no longer a thing, nixed out of the DSM.
First there was Autism, a form of mental retardation. Apparent lack of emotion or at least the ability to connect with, process or deal with them as normal people do are symptoms.
Then there was Asperger's - literally, Autism minus (1 short of the 3 qualifications on the list? Congrats, you got Aspie's).
Then there was Autism Spectrum Disorder - an umbrella term to accomodate full blown Autism and the lesser Asperger's.
Given the different levels on what is now formally recognized as a broad spectrum, Autism is now considered just an extreme end, and has been rendered redundant, and thus became no longer a thing because the DSM editors need to keep putting out revised editions to justify their six figure incomes.
Now everyone who isn't part of the cool kids clique in school and is perhaps a bit of a dork is diagnosed by professionals with ASD, thus increasing the school allotment for special ed funding.
Also self diagnostic tests (check your fave social media outlet for 10 easy questions, kiddos!) has given hordes of nerdy kids jumping on what has become a fad reason to lay claim.
Curiously, not a single one of the self diagnosed Aspies/Autistics call themselves mentally retarded nor sequester themselves to group homes or psychiatric hospitals (like the ones I used to volunteer and work in) where, if lucky, they are high functioning enough to be able to tie their shoe laces themselves and learn a trade like clearing tables and washing dishes for work in school cafeterias and other large institutions.
Oh, and while not mentally retarded in terms of brain damage and/or severe mental impairment, true autism can nevertheless exhibit cognitive limitations, albeit which in some cases is more of hampered abilities in properly accessing and processing higher learning functions, etc.”
The fact that you trust an American institute over the well, versed & respected Austism support/education groups across the globe proves my point of your painfully obtuse mindset. You used to volunteer at group homes & psychiatric hospitals? Brother, you being subjected to a lobotomy & allowed to make tea in the play area, isn’t ‘volunteer work’. I used to work with kids & adults on the spectrum back in ‘89
Caption this Meme
