AS a Disability?

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ignore my previous post, i thought about it and i have three ways you could approach the question we are facing

1} we could veiw the notion of disabilities as just a word, a label. a disabilty would normally be defined as a lack of some physical feature or ability, but for that person, there is no lack, because there is nothing to lack if that something isn't there. kind of hard to follow, bu if you think about it hard enough, it makes sence.

2} a disability has to be definate. AS is to mild

3} disabilities are physical, AS is only a difference in the processing center of the brain, a mere differenciation in programming

It depends on how it affects you. Those who have it mildly, generally aren't disabled by it. People who have a very pronounced case of it can be disabled by it.

The problem with labeling AS a disability is that it just does not seem that way. Everything about the Aspie looks normal and the social difficulties express themselves as bad behavior. Few NTs would accept that AS is a disability; especially when you are an adult. A child with AS is considered someone with special needs. A grown up with AS is just considered a constant source of irritation.

Looked at individually, every case of AS raises the question why are you not trying harder to fit in. Just do not do those annoying things and people will accept you. Practically all Aspies get told this. Looked at as a group and the case starts to change dramatically. One can discern a certain pattern of behavior and a certain pattern of abuse that is directed towards the Aspie. Indeed, perhaps one of the most definitive aspects of AS is how people choose to treat that individual.

If we could raise the awareness of AS, then it need not be a disability. But that is a long hard road that despite all the publicity given to AS we have not even begun to take the first steps. Even if we did not call it a disability, judging by what gets posted here on this forum, it seems obvious that Aspies do need help.

Do I need help?

I think I would have to agree that it depends on where you are on the spectrum and what area it effects you.We all have different issues and traits and the way they present.We all have different "gifts" and some of us have few of these to compensate or are never in the right environment to express them.I dont consider myself "severly effected" but I have spent 43 years struggling.Nothing has come easy for me.I really dont mean to complain but I have been suicidal most of my life....I dont think I would have been if not for the issues that AS presented(or society's reaction to them or my own lack of knowledge of what was causing them).

People can play psychological semantics with the word "disability" but for me it is obvious traits I have make it much more difficult to achieve the same thing as someone else with the same (or less) intelligence.Thats my reality.It doesnt mean I have given up trying new things or learning new skills,but the very "me"ness of me is a disability in this society regardless of whether the traits are positive to me or not.So please,dont "candy coat" this as just "different",our differences are discriminated against....and if you dont believe it...you havent been in the "work force" very long or have gifts that fit into a work force niche....lucky you.

So perhaps terms such as 'disability' or 'limited' or 'disorder' when applied to a person become self-fulfilling prophesies? (if anyone gets that).

Also, perhaps Aspergers the Syndrome isn't a disability, but more of how it effects people who have it on an individual basis. Sure, were all limited in the social area, but I can function quite well there and someone else may not. So does this mean he is more disabled than me, even though we both have AS?

I guess you would have to get more specific.

Meaning, someone could be disabled socially, but in return they might spend that time mastering an extra skill or interest, which would be another ability.

Personally I would call myself disabled only in terms of maintaining a job, everyone I've tried at requires a certain kind of social style I just can't master.

However, I happen to find physics easy and in going to attempt to study nanotechnology I should find it easier than many as my ability to focus on what I enjoy is very strong. (overwhelmingly so most the time).

Anyway.. In this case I wouldn't class it as a disability, I would call AS a spectrum, as it is, because in this way it can disable some more than others, and those that are disabled socially surely gain things in return.