Why are there so many names for autism?

It’s hard to understand all the terms used to describe autism. Some people prefer to use the term "autistic," while others prefer "on the autism spectrum" or "autism spectrum disorder (ASD)." Some people even use more specific terms like "Asperger's syndrome" or "high-functioning autism."

It can be confusing to keep track of all these different names, and it's important to understand that they all refer to the same thing: a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects sensory sensitivities, communication and social interaction.

So why are there so many different names?

One reason is that the way we understand and define autism has evolved over time. The term "autism" was first coined by psychiatrist Leo Kanner in 1943, and it was later included in the DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) in 1980. In 2013, the DSM-5 replaced the term "Asperger's syndrome" with the umbrella term "autism spectrum disorder."

“This list is clearly based on a neurotypical (non-autistic) person's point of view. The limitations in communication and social interaction are listed at the top as the most important characteristics, because those are what an outsider notices first. Of course, that outsider, being the psychiatrist, is also the one making the diagnosis.”

“But if you ask autistic people what they struggle with most, it's usually over-stimulation.” (Book Excerpt: Bianca Toeps, But You Dont Look Autistic At All)

Another reason is that different people prefer to use different terms. Some people prefer the term "autistic" because it acknowledges that autism is a fundamental part of their identity, rather than a disorder to be cured or fixed. Others prefer "on the autism spectrum" because it emphasizes that autism is a wide-ranging condition that affects people in different ways.

Ultimately, the most important thing is to respect the language preferences of your grandchild. If you're unsure what term someone prefers, it's always a good idea to ask.

In conclusion, there are many different names used to describe autism, and it's important to understand that they all refer to the same thing. The most important thing is to respect the language preferences of the individual person and to use the term that they prefer.