There Is No Collective “Sameness” In Autism The Profiles Are Person Specific

March 7, 2015 by Paul Isaacs 2 Comments

Autism & Identity

Autism is a developmental disability which has an effect on a person’s functioning in various different areas of functioning. It is diverse in its presentations, profiles and most importantly the “mechanics” in other words what are different parts of the “clustering”.

Identity could be to do with the politics and culture that has been created around the Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome they are words for an overview of specific profiles and presentations. I don’t believe that autism is a culture at all. We are all human and cultures are created around “things”.

Autism & Asperger’s Syndrome – Profile Differences

Observations and studies

Observations from autism consultant Donna Williams and also a recent study in 2011 shows structural differences from a neurodevelopmental perspective within different areas and regions within the brain. This I feel is important not only for people on the spectrum but family members, teachers and other forms of support for the individual in question.

It is about personalising the support. There are of course people within who have both an Aspie and Autie in terms of mechanics which shows have fluid presentations are.

Autism Rather Than Asperger’s? Why?

This isn’t specifically to do with my identity I see myself as a person first at all and it isn’t said the intent to annoy or aggravate people either.

When I say “I have Autism rather than Asperger’s” I am talking about mechanics (what makes up my autism) and my formal diagnosis and differences which are apparent to me and how important it is to know them from this perspective. I have written many blogs on the subjects.

Why I have Autism Not Asperger’s Syndrome

Why I Have Autism (Rather Than Asperger’s Syndrome) And The Importance In The Differences

Autism – No One Person Is The Same

Autism is a clustering of pre-existing conditions that build up the person’s profile’s and presentation’s – there is no “sameness” in that everyone on the spectrum is the same or share identical characteristics. I destian from using “us” and “we” language (single representation) and also “them” and “us” language. (people with autism and people without) Firstly because it is inaccurate to do so, secondly the only perspective I have is my own that is it and thirdly as an autism advocate that is a professional responsibility that I take very seriously I will not adorn to the status quo just because “that’s what is people want to hear”. I cannot speak for everyone that would not be right and potentially damaging.

Lets start being person-specific about profiles not generic, generalised and batting out stereotypes that can make people feel isolated or worse.

The Lost Voices – More Inclusion Needed

Everybody deserves and has a right to talk about their experiences – one could argue it is human right what has concerned me is the political militancy that I have observed on social media. I wonder how many more people are going to be hurt? I hope that it stops and people start listening – because sadly voices (valued perspectives) are going to be lost through bullying and silencing.

I have written this before but I feel inclusion is for everybody

• People with Autism and Learning Disabilities
• People who Are Functionally Non-Verbal
• Views and Perspectives From The Whole Spectrum (Different Cultures & Backgrounds)
• Parents, Carers & Guardians
• Autism Specialist & More

Paul Isaacs 2015