4 ms·

I think the main gripe sits with how we label it and the way we associate with the label. Yes, in a medical context we can use words like retard, but it's not a

I think the main gripe sits with how we label it and the way we associate with the label. Yes, in a medical context we can use words like retard, but it's not acceptable to use this word in front of a patient because often the medical definition isn't known. To the same degree disorder may be an acceptable label by a clinician, but we need a different word for regular everyday use - because if I come into work and tell everyone I have a disorder, they're going to make assumptions. And then back into the closet that information goes. I'd say a lot of people don't share information about their neurodiversity for this very reason. The fact the top comment here argues about the linguistics rather than the content or spirit of the article, tells me we're not ready for that yet. Which is surprising given the readership of this website likely caters to more neuro atypicals than average.

SpicyLemonZest 4y ago
I don't think it's just a linguistic point. The non-stigmatizing alternative is to not label things, and to just speak in conversational language about the ways our minds are diverse. In particular, I think it's important to recognize that most people do share information about their neurodiversity, and really this is the key point of neurodiversity as a term. When there's no "disorder" framework lurking in the background, people are happy to talk about how they're cranky in the morning or terrible at public speaking or spent the last 30 minutes anxiously editing their 5 line email. It's only when people worry about falling under some particular label that letting others know becomes an issue.
MonaroVXR 4y ago
>"...And then back into the closet that information goes." Or used against you. Happened several times in my life, no thank you. The iron thing is. Most of them are working in care.
robocat 4y ago
> Yes, in a medical context we can use words like retard Not applied to intelligence in the USA[2]. Personally I think retard is a fine word, so long as it is not applied to anyone with a low IQ, which most people wouldn’t do. Idiot, imbecile, and moron[1] are also fabulous words, which have lost their technical meaning from last century, because they were repurposed for “vernacular” use. Then again, I like using “special” or “speshul” too, so perhaps I am just bigoted. [1] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/070674376300800513 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/070674376300800... (1963) [2] https://web.archive.org/web/20150627145120/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704865104575588273153838564 https://web.archive.org/web/20150627145120/http://www.wsj.co... (2010) The concern, by some, is that eventually new terms will become a new pejorative. " 'Intellectual disabilities' carries less baggage with it at this moment," said Douglas Biklen, dean of the School of Special Education at Syracuse University. "Twenty years from now, it can become the new epithet."

SpicyLemonZest 4y ago

I don't think it's just a linguistic point. The non-stigmatizing alternative is to not label things, and to just speak in conversational language about the ways our minds are diverse. In particular, I think it's important to recognize that most people do share information about their neurodiversity, and really this is the key point of neurodiversity as a term. When there's no "disorder" framework lurking in the background, people are happy to talk about how they're cranky in the morning or terrible at public speaking or spent the last 30 minutes anxiously editing their 5 line email. It's only when people worry about falling under some particular label that letting others know becomes an issue.

MonaroVXR 4y ago

>"...And then back into the closet that information goes." Or used against you. Happened several times in my life, no thank you. The iron thing is. Most of them are working in care.

robocat 4y ago

> Yes, in a medical context we can use words like retard Not applied to intelligence in the USA[2]. Personally I think retard is a fine word, so long as it is not applied to anyone with a low IQ, which most people wouldn’t do. Idiot, imbecile, and moron[1] are also fabulous words, which have lost their technical meaning from last century, because they were repurposed for “vernacular” use. Then again, I like using “special” or “speshul” too, so perhaps I am just bigoted. [1] https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/070674376300800513 https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/070674376300800... (1963) [2] https://web.archive.org/web/20150627145120/http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748704865104575588273153838564 https://web.archive.org/web/20150627145120/http://www.wsj.co... (2010) The concern, by some, is that eventually new terms will become a new pejorative. " 'Intellectual disabilities' carries less baggage with it at this moment," said Douglas Biklen, dean of the School of Special Education at Syracuse University. "Twenty years from now, it can become the new epithet."