Autism Petition

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Hey. I created a petition on change.org called APA's DSM-V Task Force: Don't bunch autism, Asperger's, and PDD-NOS into one category. view more info and sign, go to http://www.change.org/petitions/apas-ds ... -the-dsm-v

I'm pretty sure they should be in one category.

Yeah. I do think they're all autism spectrum disorders, but I don't think the names PDD-NOS and Asperger's should be gotten rid of.

I don't have a problem with PDD-NOS and Asperger's being melded into ASD. After all, it's a spectrum disorder.

But people make fun of the word Asperger, or they get a confused look with a smirk.
So I wind up telling people I'm "slightly autistic", the general public seems to understand that quicker than "Ass-burger" (that's what people hear) I'm almost embarrassed to use the word Asperger because of that.

What is the problem with grouping it all together?

And if not group it all under the autism umbrella, at least find a better name for Asperger's than "ass-burger".

Why should they be in different catagories?.......I think it makes perfect sense to catagorize autism spectrum disorders as autism spectrum disorders.

[Moved from General Autism Discussion to Autism Politics, Activism, and Media Representation]

I do think they are all autism spectrum disorders, but I don't think PDD-NOS should just be called autism, or that Asperger's syndrome should just be called autism.

Hey. I'm realizing that I didn't make the aim of my petition very clear. Here is a link that shows what the DSM-V Task Force plans to do and why I want to stop it.

autismandoughtisms.wordpress.com/2011/08/15/the-4-main-dsm-5-autism-controversies/

I hope this is a little more clear.

I'm not sure that link posted right so here it is again.

http://autismandoughtisms.wordpress.com ... roversies/

Sorry about several posts in a row. I keep forgetting to say things. If anyone has any suggestions on how to make my petition better and clearer, please let me know. I'd really appreciate it.

I think that all spectrum disorders should be under one category. Things would be easier that way.

I'm not sure it's a good idea to petition for rights unless the stakes are high.
Petetioning to change this or that classification or rule seems petty and mis-guided.
Political action where massive concensus has been reached (and where the stakes are high)
seems like a much better use of one's political time.

But, I'm pretty new here.
I don't know all the issues.
I don't know the past battles waged and won ... or lost.

I'm not diagnosed (and have no intention of doing so)
and didn't even consider the possibility I could be autistic until after my 60th birthday.

It didn't take long to be convinced.

yours,

... www.funnyflashfiction.com/blog/cartoons
from an autistic perspective

Greater Chattanooga Aspies, a support organization for adults with high functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome in the Chattanooga, TN area, is opposed totally to what the DSM-V Task Force panel is suggesting. GCA's first argument is simply.... if the DSM-V goes to eliminate everything into ASD (one category), then people who live with mid or low functioning autism are not seen any differently than people who live with high functioning autism or PDD-NOS. We're all in one category.

Argument #2 - people like me (and so many others I have talked with) have said that we like our individuality, knowing we are high functioning autistics and have Aspeger Syndrome. By taking that away, the Task Force implies that I am no longer a high functioning autistic or have Asperger Syndrome - but rather ASD. Which brings me back to the first argument about one category.

In sum, Greater Chattanooga Aspies opposes what the Task Force wants to do.