32 replies to this topic

[Somegirl32]

Me! My son is 6 asd and possibly adhd.

[indicats]

I'm autistic/have autism/whatever term you like to use as long as it's respectful and I really don't get the contradictory language policing around autism, especially because it's held to a different standard than other disabilities (and yes, it is a disability, yes, one that comes with advantages, but let's not pretend like it's all sunshine and rainbows), the PC term is always "person with a disability" and not "disability person" yet when it's autism you're not supposed to say that and you have to say "autistic person"? Really don't get it. Also, functioning labels are not always perfect, because there are many people who fall between high and low functioning, but I think they are still helpful because let's face it, someone who can hold a stable career and relationships has a different form of autism than someone who struggles to speak. Just like we would classify a physical disability like cerebral palsy as "mild", "moderate", or "severe", many of those with autism are impaired on different levels. I don't understand the double standard with autism as opposed to other disabilities. 

i'm autistic and i think both of these arguments are stupid

 

i describe myself as high functioning but i also know that other people don't like those labels

 

i don't think it matters if you say "autistic person" or "person with autism". none of them are heinous crimes and i think it's ridiculous to be arguing over the order of words and language when we could be addressing issues that actually make our lives more difficult

[SunnyK]

I am a mother to 3 children.  My eldest and youngest have ASD.  This has been the hardest thing I have ever gone through and it exacerbated my ED to the point of needing to be hospitalized.  i hope this doesn't happen to you gals.  stay safe.

[Tzyarles]

My son has not been tested, but people see traits in him.

I am autistic myself. Maybe that's why I find it hard to tell.

[RomanticMisanthropist]

My son's autistic, he was diagnosed at three years old. I spotted it early because I'm autistic as well so I could see the signs and my mum's an occupational therapist so she managed to fastrack him through the children's services so he could see a paediatrician faster

[Aly1910]

My preschooler is. It's weird because he's super playful and affectionate. But it was mostly his speech patterns and his fixations. Like he says everything as a question and gets super obsessed with nascar toys. Tantrums or meltdowns are pretty intense if he gets over stimulated too

[meyer_lemon]

I suspect that my son is on the spectrum, but he is not diagnosed.

[Para_Normal]

My little has autism. He will be 4 tomorrow.

[NarwhalPuppy]

I’m fairly certain my son is on the spectrum. He’s not big on eye contact, he tends to cover his ears when he is frustrated. Sensory issues when it comes to foods. I’ve spoke with his pediatrician but she didn’t seem concerned mainly because at the time, he wasn’t pocketing his food. But a week later he started doing that. Does anyone know how I can help teach him to not pocket food in his mouth? I’m terrified he will get choked.

I was told that I’m on the spectrum (diagnosed social communication disorder) but I didn’t meet all the criteria on the new dsm5 or whatever it’s called to be fully diagnosed with actual ASD. I would have been diagnosed with Aspergers but they apparently did away with the term now? Looking back at when I was taking the tests, I was embarrassed to answer some of the questions. Like, flapping my arms. I do that when I’m excited, happy, or grossed out. But I marked that I didn’t do that.

[heifer]

We recently had my 7 year old son assessed.  They said he definitely has dyspraxia, he's like in the 1st percentile for most of those tests.  As for the autism, he's borderline on the diagnostic criteria.  It's very likely he'll be diagnosed, but they're just going to refer him for supports such as OT, physio, S&L therapy, psychology, etc.  Then see what he actually needs in terms of services.  I don't really care if he get the official diagnosis or not, so much as he gets the right supports.  The diagnosis is only really a means to an end.

[HarleyQ420]

I'm autistic/have autism/whatever term you like to use as long as it's respectful and I really don't get the contradictory language policing around autism, especially because it's held to a different standard than other disabilities (and yes, it is a disability, yes, one that comes with advantages, but let's not pretend like it's all sunshine and rainbows), the PC term is always "person with a disability" and not "disability person" yet when it's autism you're not supposed to say that and you have to say "autistic person"? Really don't get it. Also, functioning labels are not always perfect, because there are many people who fall between high and low functioning, but I think they are still helpful because let's face it, someone who can hold a stable career and relationships has a different form of autism than someone who struggles to speak. Just like we would classify a physical disability like cerebral palsy as "mild", "moderate", or "severe", many of those with autism are impaired on different levels. I don't understand the double standard with autism as opposed to other disabilities.

The problem with functioning labels is it minimizes the struggles some of us “high functioning” autistics have. I may not be non-verbal, but my needs shouldn’t be dismissed because of that. Slapping a “high functioning” label on me sends the message that I’m not autistic enough and thus my needs are not important my request for accommodations and accessibility needs are often brushed aside.

[HarleyQ420]

My babe is autistic. It was a little noticeable when they were around 2 years old, but nothing was certain until preschool when the teachers mentioned his behavior and that we should seek ABA services.. I feel weird about ABA, but my babe is the sweetest, smartest kid I've ever known.

Not trying to tell you what to do but definitely be wary of ABA. IMO as an autistic person, it is borderline abuse. There are other ways to help an autistic person find their way in this world without being told they are wrong or broken 🤷

[sunsetS]

  I don't really care if he get the official diagnosis or not, so much as he gets the right supports.  The diagnosis is only really a means to an end.

Absolutley this. Very much.