Parents of autistic children

[BryceQuinlanTheFirst]

I'm curious about language around autism. I often see people use ASD on here, but rarely hear that in real life.

I feel uncomfortable saying ASD as though I certainly see my son as disabled, I don't see him as being "disordered". But I know many are diagnosed as this. (My son was diagnosed ASC - is this the norm now?)

A lot of autistic adults are quite adamant about being referred to as autistic not with autism or on the spectrum etc. If you've got older autistic kids, have you seen the language around this change a lot?

I studied a lot of cultural history at university and a great deal around identity, this thread is just a discussion, I'm not saying I'm right, you're wrong. Just interested to hear from other parents.

My DS is autistic. He has no concept of it as he has severe learning disabilities too. Like a PP I don't like ASC but don't mind ASD. I consider my DS as severely disabled.

I like disorder because ds’s development is very disordered. I too find groups peopled by self diagnosed adults very antagonistic and lacking in understanding and empathy. I assume they are not for people who cannot pass for nt or their support.

@Monkeytennis97 do you mind me asking at what age you were aware your son had learning disabilities as well as autism?

Ds is 13 and was diagnosed with being on the Autism spectrum a year ago. It took a while getting his diagnosis as he is a master masker. He doesn't like the word Autism as he is still struggling to come to terms with his diagnosis. When I speak to his health professionals or school staff then I use ASD as it's easier. I understand some people may not like the word disorder but like many Autistic individuals he has terrible anxiety and other issues like OCD that come and go, so it's not just about his brain being wired a certain way - sadly his Autism makes day to day life quite challenging, and at times, distressing for him.