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If autism is defined as having a slightly different brain structure which leads to differences in how stimuli are processed. Do we call this a disorder or a tra
by zadokshi 6y ago
If autism is defined as having a slightly different brain structure which leads to differences in how stimuli are processed. Do we call this a disorder or a trait? Is having a brain structure outside of the median set of types a disorder? Depending on the level of differences in the brain, one may be labelled as “Aspergers” and appear externally like everyone else, or on the other end of the scale, may need assistance with every day living. Neither disorder or trait captures nearly both ends of the scale.
It’s probably also unhelpful to label someone with ‘asbergers’ as disordered. They have traits, some that are beneficial and at the same time some that create problems functioning in every day society.
- antibuddy 6y agoAutism is a disorder. Having a different brain structure is (not necessarily) a disorder but an observation. Having different traits is also not a disorder.
- armada651 6y agoThus Autism is not necessarily a disorder? This sounds like the same conclusion as written in the article.
- zadokshi 6y agoI said “ If autism is defined as having a slightly different brain structure...” than an average/typical brain structure. _If_ this is true, and I think autism could cause distinctive traits or disorders that impact quality of life. Thankfully this is hypothesis is actually testable. If proven true, then autism would logically be able to cause changes in brain operation that are positive as well as negative. Thus “traits” is a helpful word to include in the discussion.
- brazzy 6y agoThat seems to me to clash with the concept of an "autism spectrum" that includes both Asperger's and extreme forms where people are nonverbal, self-injure, and are completely unable to function independantly in any kind of society. How could the latter possibly not be a disorder?
- antibuddy 6y agoI did ignore the part where you redefined the term, because if you redefine the term, you mean something different. Which is my point. Aspergers seems to mean a personality for most (even researchers), altho it was intended to describe a disorder. But given the bad definition it's rather clear how we ended up like this.