Autistic Disorder is the only DSM-IV diagnosis that's not an option for Diagnosis Status

[the_tortoise]

I think "Austim (classic)" and "High Functioning Autism" there to replace "Autistic Disorder" and indicate something about cognitive profile or support needs or symptom profile or [?]...yes/no? (I will assume "yes" until/unless somebody corrects me.)

Since neither of those terms have ever been official diagnoses in the DSM or ICD and each of those terms mean different things to different people, they are problematic for me to use and to understand unless I've been given clarity on a specific definition used by the person I'm communicating with, in context.

I don't want to refer to myself as HFA or as classically autistic (although I do, at times) because the existence of contrasting definitions means I will always have chosen the wrong one no matter what I choose (I don't have a personal definition -- I have no use for words beyond communicating with others and the way I think about Autism and might categorize things doesn't translate to terms like that).

I wish that "Autistic Disorder" were an option in Diagnosis Status, so I could choose that. (Or just "ASD" because "ASD" applies to everybody, includes all the DSM-IV and ICD-10 diagnoses.)

 

[Chance]

I think "Austim (classic)" and "High Functioning Autism" there to replace "Autistic Disorder" and indicate something about cognitive profile or support needs or symptom profile or [?]...yes/no? (I will assume "yes" until/unless somebody corrects me.)

Since neither of those terms have ever been official diagnoses in the DSM or ICD and each of those terms mean different things to different people, they are problematic for me to use and to understand unless I've been given clarity on a specific definition used by the person I'm communicating with, in context.

I don't want to refer to myself as HFA or as classically autistic (although I do, at times) because the existence of contrasting definitions means I will always have chosen the wrong one no matter what I choose (I don't have a personal definition -- I have no use for words beyond communicating with others and the way I think about Autism and might categorize things doesn't translate to terms like that).

I wish that "Autistic Disorder" were an option in Diagnosis Status, so I could choose that. (Or just "ASD" because "ASD" applies to everybody, includes all the DSM-IV and ICD-10 diagnoses.)

When I was forced diagnosed they just labeled me adult ASD (zero descriptions, no HFA or Aspergers, just ASD) ... but then added the other stuff to it like it was an umbrella for all the the other crap that had me messed up. I have heard they are very varied in how they diagnose people and I guess it is such a huge spectrum that it get tough sometimes.

Mine was mixed with PTSD, OCD, SPD, mild Tourettes, and of course horrible anxiety, panic disorder and depression... (which is what landed me in the ER and from there to a Psych eval)

I think they could have basically institutionalized me if they had wanted too. I was a horrible mess. I hated this being forced on me, I hated myself to the point of wanting to end it...

But over time it gave me a foundation which was something I never had before. I hate the ASD label and I am not going to go out bragging about it UNLESS I can overcome it to the point I can help others... That would be the only way I could ever see it as a useful tool, but just out in the real world... I might as well just hand someone a shovel and ask them to hit me in the face with it... its not going to feel any worse.

 

[the_tortoise]

I hate the ASD label and I am not going to go out bragging about it UNLESS I can overcome it to the point I can help others...

You seem pretty good at helping others already -- I've seen you post lots of wisdom and good ideas, and what you write is full of understanding, kindness and compassion for others.