How do you refer to your ASD?

[Bubblepig]

I dislike the word "Asperger's" for several reasons, partly because I find it hard to pronounce. If I'm talking to somebody in real life I say "Asperger syndrome" (I prefer it without the "s" on the end) because I know they will know what "Asperger" means. More people have heard of it, in my experience.
If I'm talking online, however, I prefer to use the the term "ASD" or "autism spectrum disorder". Even though it says autism spectrum disorder on my diagnosis, I never feel like I deserve to use the term ASD because the word "autism" implies a certain degree of severity.

 

[Arashi222]

I refer to it as Asperger's syndrome when attempting to explain to others in person also referring to it as high functioning autism. But online I just say like here I say AS. It's easier. I don't know I have had some people be like I don't know what Asperger's is so then I have to explain more but I agree with you Bubblepig that it Autism is often thought of as more severe so those of us with Asperger's seem to shy away from using that word so I have noticed. I wonder if that is gonna change when the DSM V actually comes out.

 

[113]

"ASD"

 

[Progster]

I use the term 'Asperger's syndrome' because that's what my official diagnosis is, though I was diagnosed under the old DSM-IV and apparently I should now call it Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I also hesitate to use the word 'autism' because of the implied severity - I'm more comfortable with ASD because the term 'spectrum' is in the title and implies a range of characteristics and severities which include Asperger Syndrome.

 

[Suzanne]

I am still trying to, because, on the contrary, where I live, not many have heard of it and I make matters worse in trying to explain and I often forget that people do not listen to a whole sentence, so as soon as I say similar to autism, I get shock and deep perplexing looks as in: but you look so normal, which has this awful habit of making me feel false, despite knowing I am and so, why I am intending to get a "professional" diagnosis, for I will feel more assertive.

I don't have trouble with pronouncing it, but did make the error of not pronouncing the g in aspergers, more a J. But I actually like the name and so, have no issue with it

 

[SameStars]

It's not something I generally share with people, but I'll say I have Asperger syndrome (my diagnosis) and clarify that it's an autism spectrum disorder. During my school years I just said I had concentration problems and left it at that.

 

[clg114]

I do not tell people about my AS unless they need to know. I think it is very hard to explain something to people who can not or will not understand. My close family members know and they care about me, so they do not think that I'm "broken". Everybody else thinks I'm a old, strange, smart guy.

 

[AsheSkyler]

I stick to "autism" or "high functioning autism" since I'm not one of the "classic, low functioning" cases. If necessary, I'll talk about how it's a range/spectrum thing. Usually followed by a quick reminder that even though I'm in the "aw, it's not that bad!" category and don't need special treatment, I do still need some respect and consideration for my limitations. Or I mention how it's a fair trade-off. Yes, I'm a great organizer, good with math and facts, and in exchange you don't touch me and tone down the vocal volume and body spray.

 

[epath13]

I say, "I'm on Autism spectrum". If somebody needs an official diagnosis, I say, "I was diagnosed with Asperger's"

 

[HappyHermit]

In meatspace, I don't refer to it much at all, and it's a rare event that I tell anyone who knows me.

Instead, I'll usually say things like 'I'm not so well-suited to ... (much social interaction, thinking on my feet, etc.)' and 'I'm good at ... (e.g. working alone without slacking off)', and those things tend to be aligned with my AS/HFA-related qualities or (in-)abilities. I've had some success with that.

When I do finally tell someone offline, I usually use high-functioning autism to describe it. But by that time, the person will know me, and usually things they've known all along tend to click into place, and they don't get hung up on terminology because I'm HappyHermit to them by then and not The Person with AS / HFA / on the Autism Spectrum.

Online, I mostly use ASD (although I'd argue with the 'D', but ASD works as an identifier of what I'm talking about), HFA or autism spectrum.

 

[Bel]

I try to hide it as often as possible. But if it's needed to know, I try to make it sound really lighthearted. Start off with "well, I'm an Aspie!" And some people are content with that, and other need a bit more information. It always helps however you want to say it, to open with something perky

 

[wyverary]

It depends on the situation. If the situation brings about my deficiencies related to my Nonverbal Learning Disorder, then it's "NLD." If it's other, more classic "Aspie" things, then I'll call it Aspergers. I don't really hide it...my co-workers all know about the autism, at least (if not the NLD...I tend to not be a complainer, so if something related to that does come up, I will simply ask for help and/or opinions). I had a conversation recently with a co-worker trying to help her find a good book for her six-year-old niece who also had Aspergers. I remarked how much longer it took me to be diagnosed.

 

[Princezz]

I call it Aspergers because that's what I was told it was, and because I was told it wasn't quite the same as Autism. I wanted people to know there was a difference between the two. Usually people don't know what it is, though, when I tell them I have it, so I say "It's a type of Autism." That usually doesn't make them any less confused.