An editorial in the [Toronto] Globe and Mail says removing the term “Asperger’s” from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders would cause a “lamentable” loss of identity for many.

The editorial says Asperger’s syndrome, with its combination of intelligence and social awkwardness, has received more attention in recent years as it has become popularized in books, television, and movies.

There may well be a lack of consistency in the current application of Asperger’s. And since the word “autism” represents a large continuum of disorders, it may seem odd to give a specific name to such a small slice.

Yet Asperger’s syndrome has become a useful identity for many diagnosed with it. And while the dramatic possibilities have been overdone, the current attention has certainly raised awareness of the capabilities of everyone with autism. Developmental disorders rarely get such good press. Should we be so quick to throw that away?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 10th, 2009 at 11:30 am and is filed under Asperger's, autism, commentary, language. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.  Email This Post