Tuesday, May 8, 2018

GOODBYE, NAMEY OLD NAME THE NAME

Dear Persons,
There’s something I’ve been struggling with for some time now.

To make it less loaded as a puzzle, let me start with a lighthearted example. Let’s say there’s this thing we call a chipmunk. We use that name to refer to a particular type of creature, a small, orange-y, striped, cute one; and to distinguish it from the larger, less-cute (to some), similar-but-usually-grey animal we call the squirrel, not to mention any number of other rodents and animals. It’s useful to have a shared name for this distinct creature. And we may even have other names for individual chipmunks, such as “Little Jerk,”  and “Garden *&%#$.” But we always know what chipmunks are — and what they are not

But what if we found out that the very word chipmunk was problematic? What if chipmunk was another name for, Oh, I don’t know, a possible Nazi-sympathizer

Besides it being a commonly-understood term — and an erstwhile diagnosis/label (one no longer widely accepted in the professional/medical/neurological sphere) — why do we use the word Asperger? I had to take a hard look at my own usage and I realized that — although I do avoid the term “high functioning autism” (or HFA), because I think it has questionable implications and is implicitly comparative of human beings — I have typically used Asperger somewhat in the same way. That is, I have unconsciously used this term to make it clear that my son is the kind of autistic person who has special interests and above-average intelligence, etc. That was wrong of me — as continuing to use this term would be. 

At the same time, I also used the term to describe him because the general usage/understanding of this term really fits G as he is: highly verbal, quirky, not so great with social cues…But that’s not going to fly anymore. 

Autistic and on the autism spectrum seem fine to me, but a little too defining/labeling for day-to-day use (I do not like autism spectrum disorder as I do not frame different brains as inherently disordered!). From now on, I am going to use the term neurodiverse. Yes, it’s slightly meaningless (a la “tasty” — oooh, it has a taste!), but it neither refers to a kind of human being by the name of a criminal nor distinguishes between neurotypically devised “levels” of “functioning.”


Thanks and love,
Full Spectrum Mama


P.S. I completely understand and honor those individuals and organizations who’ve chosen to stay with this name, or who chose it prior to knowing about the complex history behind it. This is my choice, for myself. 


 
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8 comments:

  1. I believe that, in all areas, our language must adjust as we become aware of history and the alternative (and often offensive) meanings that our words may convey. I support your decision here!

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    Replies
    1. Well said!!!!

      Thank you so very much, dear Quirky.

      Love,
      FSM

      Delete
  2. I have struggled with this one as well! My go-to name is "spectrumy." For folks who are familiar with the autism spectrum, that seems to cover it, but for folks who don't, it may not. It's a tough one. Thanks for raising the issue--I'd be curious to hear about what others use. As always, thanks for a thought-provoking and sensitive column.
    mf

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    Replies
    1. Thank YOU, dear mf.

      I have already slipped up, but I am getting there.

      I like spectrumy as well, but have heard some take offense at the term (could just be a rumor?).

      We are just doing our best here...

      Thanks and much love,
      FSM

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  3. I am ambivalent about the labels too, so well-written as usual!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks, ever so.

      Yes, ambivalence all-around...BUT finding ways to communicate at least ;)

      Love,
      FSM

      Delete
  4. Sigh. I use them all. LOL. not out of disrespect for anyone who prefers differently but because I can not decide which I prefer. Sometimes I prefer Autistic, others I still love being called an Aspie fondly by my husband or kids, I like on the spectrum but its long, I like Nuerodiverse but also too long...I guess Aspie is still my go to. Simply because its short and sounds like a nickname. Hmmmm...I just prefer for other people whatever they prefer...whether its capital Autistic or lowercase ( of which I also switch back and forth from numerous times in a post.) I am so not good at constraining myself to any form of communication I guess...even the labels I use on myself. Ha ha
    Good post tho and as always enjoy your insights.

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    Replies
    1. Hey - I get it. I totally don't judge. I was just convinced by that NYT article.

      I also very much agree that we should call individuals by their individual preference.

      Thanks so much for reading, dear KMarie.

      Love,
      FSM

      Delete

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