Although the term Asperger’s Syndrome was officially introduced in 1981, it wasn’t until 1994 that it was added to the Diagnostic Statistics Manuals (DSM). In 2013, a controversial decision was made to remove this diagnosis from the DSM, possibly because it was largely considered to be a [milder] form of autism. While I would definitely agree that Asperger’s Syndrome is on the higher end of the autism spectrum, I really believe that this should be specified in the DSM. Therefore, I strongly suggest that the label Asperger’s Syndrome (along with a detailed description of the characteristics) be brought back and incorporated within “Autism Spectrum Disorder(s)”, perhaps as “ASD Level 1, otherwise/commonly known as Asperger’s Syndrome”.
Why I Believe that Asperger’s Syndrome Should Be Reinstated in the DSM
It can explain (and make sense of) a lot of things that can’t easily be done so otherwise.
As someone with Asperger’s Syndrome, I am definitely familiar with common frustrations such as knowing I was different (but not knowing why), having difficulty relating to others enough to “fit in” (nor knowing exactly where I fit, for that matter), and struggling with certain things many other people seemed to find easy (or noticeably less challenging, anyway). Since I was very aware of these things from a young age (as were many others), it came with great relief to [finally] have a name for all of this, when I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome in 1994 at the age of 11 (not to mention that it also settled a lot of arguments). Knowing this significantly helped me (and continues to be helpful) to answer a lot of questions, address concerns, clear up confusion, and resolve misunderstandings.
For example, when I was enrolled in a training course for a job I had a while back, the instructor noticed that I was having a really hard time with it and took me aside. He stated his concerns and asked, “What’s going on?”. Not only was I truly grateful that I had something specific to tell him, but the issues he mentioned now made considerably more sense to him as well (also because he had a relative with Asperger’s Syndrome, and therefore was familiar with it). This experience reminded me that although disclosing a disability can be risky, it is still usually better to let people know than to have them wonder about it.
It can help prevent misdiagnosis (especially when some people are unfamiliar with the [broad] autism spectrum) and determine appropriate supports.
Getting the wrong diagnosis can have serious consequences such as:
- Leaving questions unanswered, resulting in further confusion and misunderstanding
- Receiving inadequate support(s)
- Being disqualified from necessary services, particularly if the diagnosis is not considered “severe” enough to qualify
Getting the right diagnosis can make it a lot easier to define and communicate specific needs, increasing the likelihood of having those needs met.
The term Asperger’s Syndrome may seem less “alarming” to some people than autism.
The challenges of Asperger’s Syndrome need to be regarded as legitimate enough to qualify for any necessary supports, yet not intimidating enough to encourage misconceptions and/or discrimination (something to be aware but not afraid of). It may also be helpful to clarify that Asperger’s Syndrome is a form of high functioning autism.
I would personally prefer to describe an ASD as a “mixability” (or a “diversability”, as another person put it) instead of a disability. Although ASDs definitely have challenges, they could also contribute to extraordinary abilities.
However, it is important to use labels wisely, and not misuse/abuse them. They are best used as an explanation (and not an excuse) with the intention to help (and not hurt or stigmatize) someone. I like to think of having Asperger’s Syndrome as a “supporting role” rather than “center stage” in my life. In other words, it is part (not all) of me and something to be mindful of, but not allow myself to be hindered by.
In addition, much like having a lot of nerve is not the same as having a lot of courage, being realistic should not be confused with being negative (or pessimistic). Lastly, it would not be wise to assume anything; I am sure most of us are familiar with “ass-u-me”, which very well sums up what could easily happen if we make any assumptions.