Hi, my name is Professorgarbutt!

Professorgarbutt

Firstly, autism need not be classed as a disability. For some it is, for others, especially those with AS, it isn't. It is certainly not  a ' psychiatric disorder ', a term used by the New Scientist recently, for which they had to apologise. Although it is true that, thanks to the exposure given to autism over the past two decades, many neurotypical people understand the ramifications of the condition and aren't judgmental, many ill-informed people, particularly those of an older generation, neither tolerate the autistic nor understand the term autism. Obviously, anyone who has researched the condition will recognise if they have the disorder and there is absolutely nothing wrong in self diagnosing. There is an advantage in being labelled with any medical condition. I am diabetic and embrace this classification, even if I hate being diabetic. So why shouldn't those with high functioning autism feel any different. 

Ails

Hi @Professorgarbutt and welcome to the Community.  It is nice to meet you.  Thank you for sharing this interesting piece about autism with us.  Some of our members have autism and I'm sure they will find this interesting.  I hope you enjoy your time with us on the forum as we are a friendly bunch of people.  If there is anything you need help/support with then please just ask.  All the best. 

chiarieds

Hi @Professorgarbutt - Welcome to the community, & thank you for joining. This community is a great supportive place, & we have several lovely people here that are on the autistic spectrum. We all help, & support each other, despite our different disorders/disabilities, or whatever you'd like to call them, as we often find we have much in common.

Whilst I agree with you in parts, some people with ASD are dis-abled in that they have great difficulty socialising, which can impact greatly on their lives. Asperger Syndrome can also affect a person's life, tho I agree certainly neither are 'psychiatric disorders.'

Some people who research their own putative disorder, whatever that might be, probably know more than their consultants, but it likely helps to get a diagnosis, rather than 'just' self diagnosing. As you say, there's an advantage in being labelled/diagnosed with any medical condition.

As someone of 'an older generation,' I'm grateful for being a member of Scope's community, which has given me a little understanding of autism, as well as many other conditions.

Thank you for your post. Scope embraces people with a multitude of problems, & this community is probably one of the least judgemental you'll find.

As Ails says, please do let us know if we can help you in any way, as that is what this community is all about.

janer1967

Hello and welcome to the community from me too. Interesting to read your post and Im sure other members will be able to relate  to your views on the subject