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Calling autism by any other name
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AHA moments are the basis for procuring language from autistic children. The nomenclature has transcended the notion of simply speaking. Now we have kitchy labels for the population that falls into the umbrella called autism spectrum disorder.
Today's New York Times shares the mystery of language labels in Aspies and Auties, a new reality in the world of autism. Everyone is getting into the act. Whether it's reference to movies posturing on life with Aspergers or tell all books about new found diagnoses, the Dustin Hoffman Rainman has been eclipsed. The message is that new awareness underscores how much Asperger's and high-functioning autism have expanded in the public consciousness since Dustin Hoffman's portrayal of an autistic savant in "Rain Man" 21 years ago.
However, awareness hardly indicates that Aspie or Autie or Savantie or any slang is appropriate. Perhaps it's a case of "I can say anything I want about my own, but no one else can!"
The National Autistic Society provides an accepted list for description of those with disabilities. It sheds a fair light on the subject.
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