How do We Talk About Autism?

A term that has perhaps been notably absent up to this point is ‘Asperger Syndrome’, which typically refers to autists that are deemed “high functioning”. This terminology has been phased out as a separate diagnosis in favor of the spectrum system. There is argument both inside and outside of the autism community about the removal of this diagnosis. Some identify with the diagnosis, having been diagnosed before the transition to a spectrum disorder, possibly even making it an integral part of their identity and refer to themselves as “Aspies”.

The arguments against using the terminology are primary around the association with functional level and the history of the man for which it was named, Hans Asperger. In 2018 a paper was released that culminated from seven years of research, which documented Asperger’s history with Nazism. Further research elucidated more about what was happening under Asperger’s command: actively deciding which autistic children were allowed to live and referring the rest to a clinic where they would be euthanized. With this history coming to light, many in the autistic community have advocated for discontinuing its use.