Autism Spectrum Conditions

by Melissa on April 2, 2008

You may have noticed that I use the term “autism spectrum conditions” (abbreviated to ASCs) an awful lot.  I still sometimes slip and use the more commonly-known phrase “autism spectrum disorders” (abbreviated to ASDs) but I do try to use the word condition as opposed to disorder.  To some, this may not matter but after spending some time reading and conversing with several adult autistics, I have decided to make a concentrated effort to use the word conditions.

Let’s look at the definitions from dictionary.com

Condition:
1.a particular mode of being of a person or thing; existing state; situation with respect to circumstances.
2.state of health: He was reported to be in critical condition.

Disorder:
4. a disturbance in physical or mental health or functions; malady or dysfunction: a mild stomach disorder. 

Okay, so the two words can be used interchangeably.  Now what?  The word disorder tends to have a negative connotation whereas condition is neutral. 

Here are some of my favorite neurodiversity-friendly sites:

The Autism Acceptance Project

The Autism Hub

Neurodiversity.com

Autistics.org

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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }

Casdok April 2, 2008 at 1:47 am

I always try and listen to what autistic people themselves prefer too. :)

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Tony Spinks May 7, 2010 at 4:01 pm

Hi
I am interested to find out the ‘academic’ origins and how common the use of the label Autism Spectrum Conditions (as opposed to ASD) is. I am emailing from Australa and I am preparing a peer review ethics application. The application submitted by experienced researchers refer to ASD, but I would like to convince them to use ASC, but I need some evidence

I am keen to promote the neutral description of this condition but I need some historical justification, preferrably from reliable published sources on the use of the ‘new’ ASC.

Any advice/ help would be most appreciated.

Thanks and bye for now

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