What does it mean to be 'on the spectrum'?

[mrsbaffled]

...is there a formal definition?

Why I ask is because something the doctor said to me last week has confused me.

We went through the process of seeing if DS1 has AS and the final appt was a few months ago. He scored highly in one area if the triad and fell a tiny margin under the diagnostic criteria in the other two areas. We were told he has 'some autistic features, but not fulfilling criteria for formal dx of Autistic Spectrum Disorder'. Ok, so in my head that sounds like he is not on the spectrum, I.e no ASD.

However, a few days ago we saw the GP as we needed a referral for his tics (highly likely he has TS like his little brother). The doc said he 'is on the autistic spectrum'. So I said 'except he isn't'......I think he thinks he is on the spectrum, but doesn't have a particular sort of autism.

So....I am confused. Is he or isn't he 'on the spectrum'?!

Certainly around here saying a child has ASD means SALT basically wash their hands of you. They don't deal with Autism.

It’s the opposite round here – we have NHS specialist SALTs who know all about autism, DS was referred to a SALT during his diagnosis and she knew exactly how to reveal his difficulties. Our SALTs run social and communication skills groups for kids with Asperger’s and HFA, too.

It makes my teeth hurt to think that a child could be deprived of SALT (or OT) because they have an ASC it just goes against logic and reason!