Why won't you let me have autism?

Question

What's in a name? I've been diagnosed with PDD-NOS. Strictly speaking I have been told that this is not autism.

But I cannot agree with this- sure there is a disorder called autistic disorder: But isn't the term autism used as a catch term for anyone with a disorder within the "autism" spectrum?

I can't believe the Autism Sociey for America, Center for the study of Autism, etc are only looking at the autistic disorder.

Can't someone with Aspergers Syndrome say they have autism? I agree they are not diagnosed with the autistic disorder -but it is within the "Autism" spectrum.

Is autism not used as a general term for the autism spectrum?
Can I please have autism? (Thank you!)

petrel: What do you mean by autism? PDD-NOS?

Answer 1

Petrel is incorrect. People with autistic spectrum disorders may have social difficulties, but this does not mean that they are unable to communicate.
The autistic spectrum disorders are related, but they are separate disorders because there are many differences between them. Many people will erroneously refer to all autistic spectrum disorders as autism. I've heard Asperger's referred to as high functioning Autism several times. But technically, Asperger's, PDD-NOS, Rett's Disorder, and all the PDDs are not called Autism.
Why is it so important for you to be diagnosed with Autism? It is just a label. What is important are your individual problems and needs.

Answer 2

The diagnosis of PDD-NOS is used quite often when it is unclear if the correct diagnosis should be autistic disorder or asperger's disorder. For example, if you are an adult (or late-teen), then it is going to be very difficult for anyone to give you a diagnosis of autistic disorder since one of the criteria for diagnosis is speech and language delay prior to age three. A psychologist/psychiatrist, etc. who sees you as an adult will have a tough time determining what if any speech problems that you had pre pre-school age.

Many people in the autism community do not even have what you have. It doesn't matter what your diagnosis is on paper. What matters is that you know who you are, and are happy with yourself. The autism community will welcome you regardless of what kind of paperwork you have. I am an adult on the autistic spectrum (autistic disorder) and I do not have any formal diagnosis whatsoever.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that autistics can't read, or write, or "autistics are retards". In reality, the main difference between autistic and asperger's disorder is the delay in speech and language which is not present in asperger's disorder. They are NOT differentiated by intelligence (or lack of). Some Kanner Autistics do learn to speak, albeit at a later age (like 4 or 5). Others may learn to speak much later, or not at all. This does not mean they are retarded or do not know how to read, etc. In fact, many when given alternate means to communicate, can show that they are quite intelligent.

Answer 3

I will let you have autism.

PDD not otherwise specified or PDD-NOS is a pervasive developmental disorder.
PDD-NOS is a diagnosis for people who are well-described by the "PDD" label, but who don't line up well with the other four PDD diagnoses. It is usually milder than autism, with some symptoms present, and others absent. Usually, the issues focus more on social interaction.

To me that is Autism-light.

Answer 4

Why do you want to be labelled with autism? Would you be eligable for additional funding?

PDD-NOS is a very broad term. It is "on the spectrum." Some would use the word "autism" to describe you.

My brother had four kids, two with autism. And I must admit I get irritated at people wanting to lump anyone with similar problems in with "autism."

Can you talk?
Do you understand what people are telling you?
Do you can you write?
The fact that you can type tells me you can read!

I have a hard time accepting that you can be classified in the same catagory as my neice who can't talk, can't color in the lines, & still has potty-training issues or my nephew who would chew on electrical cords, lick anything he was curious about & finally drowned due to his lack of understanding the dangers of deep water.

I understand what "spectrum" means, but we should use diferent words to describe people like you than we use to describe people like my niece. Either stop using the word "autsim" in such broad terms, or refer to low-fuctioning as "Kanners" & high-functioning as "Asperger's."

Answer 5

Why do you want autism?

Answer 6

you may have autism. you now have autism. two points!!

Answer 7

People are as sick as they want to be. Let God change your thinking and you can be of sound mind and body.
Philippians 4:4-9.

Answer 8

I hardly think you have autism if you can express yourself so clearly.