People often talk about the 'autism spectrum' when discussing the autistic neurotype. But what does it really mean, and does it match up with how us autistic individuals actually experience life? Let's take a closer look at these questions.
What is the Spectrum?
Historically, 'the spectrum' has been used to hint at the range of ways the autistic neurotype might manifest in different individuals. However, its vagueness has been a point of contention.
Within our Autistic Community, there's been a growing sentiment that this term might not only oversimplify but also misrepresent our experiences. For instance, phrases such as "we're all a little bit on the spectrum" can diminish the validity and experiences of us autistic individuals.
Words are undeniably influential, and they mould our perceptions. The term ‘autism spectrum' holds certain implications that might not sit well with many, particularly those from a neuroaffirming perspective. Here's why:
Straight Line Misunderstanding: When people hear 'spectrum', they might think of it like a line where one end is 'less' autistic and the other end is 'more' autistic. This doesn't capture the full picture of what being autistic is about. Thinking this way oversimplifies and can be misleading
Grouping Us All the Same Way: Calling our experience a 'spectrum' can mistakenly suggest we're all the same or have an issue. This isn't right. We, as a community, have diverse strengths and needs. It's essential to understand that any challenges we face often stem not from being autistic per se but from navigating a world that isn't always designed with our sensory and communication needs in mind.
Undermining Authentic Identity: Terms such as 'high-functioning' or 'low-functioning' that often accompany 'spectrum' discussions can dilute the unique identities of us autistic individuals, tying our worth to our neurotype rather than our intrinsic worth as individuals.
Focus on Deficits: The term 'spectrum' often pushes attention towards what some perceive as the challenges or differences of being autistic. This viewpoint can unintentionally overshadow the vast array of strengths, talents, and contributions we bring. It's not that we don't face challenges—as everyone does—but many of these arise from living in environments that aren't aligned with our ways of processing and interacting with the world. A mere focus on these challenges does not do justice to the depth and breadth of experiences and capabilities within our community. It's vital to shift this narrative and wholeheartedly appreciate and recognise the positive and diverse qualities that each member of our Autistic Community possesses.
Being autistic isn't about ‘more’ or ‘less’; it's about different experiences. Sometimes, these differences come from how we've learned to behave in ways that fit what society expects from us, like hiding certain behaviors or reactions.
Within our Autistic Community, there's a strong desire to use words that better describe our real experiences. We want terms that honour and accurately talk about what it's like to be autistic.
When the term 'spectrum' was first introduced, its goal was to capture the wide range of our autistic experiences. Yet, as our collective understanding grows and shifts, our language needs to evolve alongside it. Within our Autistic Community, we're championing the adoption of more accurate and affirming terms that truly reflect our lived experiences.
In our pursuit of better representation, our voices—as autistic individuals—are paramount. Real understanding and progress arise when we prioritise and centre our firsthand narratives.
This neuroaffirming article on 'What is the Spectrum? | Introductory Level | A Perspective from the Autistic Community' offers an introductory overview from the perspective of the Autistic Community. Topics covered include "Understanding the Autism Spectrum," "Variability and Diversity within the Spectrum," "Common Misconceptions about the Spectrum," and "The Autistic Community's Perspective on the Spectrum."
Please note, the language used in the search terms above may not be neuroaffirming, but they may be search terms that people use. By listing these here, the hope is that people may end up accessing this article and learning about the autistic neurotype through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, rather than the impairment-based information that is so plentifully available.