ske-lee-ton:

My biggest issue with the whole “a-spec is for autistic” issue is… why on earth would we autistics use it that way?

From my years of experience in the autism community I’ve noticed a few things:
– “Spectrum” in “autism spectrum” is in reference to our range of experiences, not range of disorders.
– There’s only one autism disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder. While Asperger’s is outdated, some people choose to use it still.
– As there’s only one disorder, there’s no need for a catch-all term, people just generally call themselves, and the community, autistic.

People who use “spectrum” terminology:
– People who ID as having Asperger’s. There’s been discourse in the community over this, over alleged Asperger’s elitism, people IDing as Asperger’s to distance themselves from *those* autistics (apparently “lower functioning).
– Autistic people who see themselves “higher up” on the spectrum, or “high functioning”, trying to distance themselves from *those* autistics.
– Allistic people, usually parents of autistics, who describe autistic people (usually their children) as “on the spectrum”, as a way to avoid using the “A word”. Also usually use first person language (which is disliked by the autistic community). Usually act like “autism” and especially “autistic” are bad words. Also may be used to distance their autistic friend or family from *those* autistics.

“Spectrum” terminology, as well as “functioning” terminology, has been used to divide the autistic community, distance people from one another, while denying half the community’s access to accommodations and the other half’s agency. It has been used as a tool in Asperger’s and “High functioning” elitism. Almost their entire usage has been an act of ableism.

Using “autism” or “autistic” on its own is often a form of solidarity with the whole autistic community, nobody trying to distance themselves from the others. Other people who were diagnosed with Asperger’s may choose to reject the label in favour for just Autistic as an act on solidarity with the whole community (or “spectrum”), like myself.

All this considered, I’ve got a few questions for the people claiming “aspec” or “a-spec” is autistic exclusive:
– Why would we coin such a word?
– Why would we need such a word?
– Why would we want a euphemism over the word “autistic”?
– Do you believe “autism” and “autistic” are bad words?
– Do you want to distance yourself from autism?
– Do you want to distance yourself from certain expressions of autistic behaviour?
– How are you comfortable with such a word?
– Why do you want to keep hold of such a word?
– Why do you feel a need for a euphemism?
– … Can we just let the asexual and aromatic community have it?

If, all of this considered, you still want to claim “a-spec” for autism, I don’t feel comfortable around you. I don’t want to sit with you. I don’t want to be associated with you. I’m not “on the spectrum”, I am autistic, that’s the only word I want or need. I don’t want a euphemism. I want autistic solidarity.