Robbie Williams

They've redefined autism to now include the mild version of autism, which was previously diagnosed as Asperger's. Asperger's is no longer used. So the spectrum now includes Asperger's.

That's the technical side of what a little bit of autism means. No comment on the person saying it, as I don't know the person. But, yeah, you can be a jerk and have mental illness on top of being a jerk. Not a good mix.

I'm from Canada, not the US, but we both use the DSM-5 (Diagnostic Statistical Manual). And you're right, that the DSM-5 made this change from the DSM-4.

As I understand it, Europe and the UK use the ICD-11 (International Classification of Diseases). The ICD-10 also changed in the ICD-11 to reflect this change.

I only know this because the husband and daughter of one of my Canadian besties both have what was called Asperger's. But I just double checked online to be sure. I hope I checked correctly. If not, please correct me.

Phew! I'm very clear on not being an American. Apples and oranges, you know?

I like the simplicity of one scale too. I do understand though that as with other physical and mental illnesses, there is typically a clear distinction between the two extremes, even with the overlap. Like there are wide ranges of cancer. And depression. And a heart attack. And phobias. And even being a jerk. 😁

Hi @SheffieldMan1976 . I didn't know that you have that diagnosis. Have you seen the Netflix series 'Love on the Spectrum '? I saw the first couple of seasons. It's fantastic. They have an Australian version too, with two seasons.