4 ms·
Autism isn't a mental illness. I know this was probably an unintentional statement but it's important, especially as humanity grapples with the issue of better
by wavefunction 11y ago
Autism isn't a mental illness.
I know this was probably an unintentional statement but it's important, especially as humanity grapples with the issue of better integrating neuro-atypicals into our societies.
- stordoff 11y agoWhat is it then? I would have used the same description (I don't mean to be insensitive, but I don't really see why autism doesn't fall in that category).
- astrange 11y agoThey might want you to call it a "developmental disorder", which is fair, but nerdy. Or a "physical illness affecting the brain". The idea that there's a difference is sort of problematic since the mind and the body are the same thing, and it's not falsifiable either unless you can test someone's brain for autism without going through their mind. There's also a popular claim among tumblr-type people that autism is good and that charities looking for "cures for autism" are evil. Probably not what they meant though.
- KingMob 11y agoAt the low end of functioning, autism is most certainly an illness. There are ASD people with no ability to speak, repetitive behaviors, and comorbidity with other illnesses (such as gastrointestinal issues). While I respect the desire to not stigmatize those who can function with some adjustments (on both their part and those of society's), it is imprecise to suggest that no ASD person has mental illness. To do so seems counter-productive, since it makes many people dismiss your legitimate concerns.
- forgetsusername 11y ago>neuro-atypicals Can you explain what someone neuro-typical looks like?
- cederic 11y agoSure, full description at the Institute for the Study of the Neuro-Typical : http://isnt.autistics.org/ http://isnt.autistics.org/