Asperger's change in DSM-V

[Guest guest]

I've never heard of anyone who considered AS as being viewed as a desired trend, despite any well-known names being associated with it. I can't imagine that anyone who truly understands everything about AS would ever want their child to have it, or have someone think they have it; because of all the misery that accompanies it--the cruel teasing/bullying, loneliness, sorrow, embarrassment, confusion and all that they suffer through (and we parents suffer too, because I love my dd who is so hurt by others' reactions). Not all AS people are geniuses, some have average intelligence, so they aren't necessarily accepted because of a genius status either. It's so sad, and I feel so helpless. -Kari

- The people who want their children diagnosed with Asperger's don't really have Asperger's so they or their children don't have all the negative implications of the disorder. They want the diagnosis for various reasons, to the best of my knowledge because it is an excuse for a child's poor behaviour (which really detracts from the children that actually have the disorder), attention, and/or the designer diagnosis part because the word Asperger's has become the new 'gifted'. I know the latter isn't true, some children with Asperger's are very intelligent, others average and as any of us know, often their intelligence is difficult to know because they have so many other issues interfering (ie. anxiety, stimming, infexibility, etc.). Also it is my understanding that some parents truly believe their child has Asperger's even when they don't - I can understand the feeling of wanting to know exactly how to help you child. As well, many people and groups

prey on parents in a vulnerable state. The neurodevelopmental differences associated with Asperger's can only be diagnosed easily between 8-12 years of age. I don't know whether or not this change in names is a good thing, I hope it is because it's happening. I think it will be difficult for Aspies who strongly associate themselves with the label, then again, resistance to change is one of their strong traits. I prefer to think of this issue or others in a positive light, focusing on the negative just adds to the exhaustion and frustration. I think if society were more tolerant of neurodiversity they could accept that our children are different, not less.

Donna