It is a spectrum and every person is unique. With every disorder, you need to tick enough boxes in order to fall under the definition (currently using DSM-V tho

It is a spectrum and every person is unique. With every disorder, you need to tick enough boxes in order to fall under the definition (currently using DSM-V though I know one org stubbornly sticking to DSM-IV as it benefits them). Not all boxes may apply, or may apply severely. It is the same in other disorders. But also personality disorders define our very being and are very different to combat, so to conform to them is living in acceptance and harmony with them. Ie. it is something one has to live with. Anyone diagnosing a (personality) disorder worth their salt is going to explain this much better than I just did. And of course one can reap the benefits of a disorder. Stephen Fry, the actor (also a terrific writer) famously is bipolar (a term with a predecessor being manic depression). One thing which triggers some people with autism is wording; they don't have autism; they're autistic. Personally, I don't give a shit about it, but I feel the same regarding pronouns like they/they. Apparently it is a really big deal for others and I need to remind myself about that. Otherwise, I cross the line of bullying. But when I am describing myself or in general (not someone specific) I feel at liberty to pronounce the way I want. Which is careless, I admit, and a bit of self-ridicule seems healthy to me, too.