this post was submitted on 28 Mar 2025
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Terminology: on the spectrum (discuss.tchncs.de)
submitted 3 weeks ago by port443@discuss.tchncs.de to c/autism@lemmy.world
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To me, it feels like it is some sort of desperate attempt to not say 'autistic'/'autism', but I don't fully understand why. Most people I've seen using 'on the spectrum' are either actively questioning whether they or someone they are close with are autistic, or think it but don't care all that much. Personally, I find referring to autism as 'the spectrum' a bit offensive, as the only reason I can find to use the term is to forcibly emphasize that whoever is referred to (hereafter: 'me', although sometimes I am a spectator) is not like other (higher needs, lower perceived status) autistics. They suggest that they think badly of autism this way, and ungroup me from that group so it's not insulting (but it is, to the entire group and thus to me, who is, could be argued, also insulted directly). Although I know that basically everyone perceives people unalike themselves as 'worse' (human nature sadly) and it isn't on purpose, it is still very insulting to me. I already knew I was a joke to most people, so please don't make fun of me for things I have trouble with. Am I wrong about the reason people use the term? Do you agree or disagree and most importantly: why?

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[–] Senal@programming.dev 3 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

If people would realize that they try to leave out the terms autism and autistic for a wrong reason (and maybe they don’t) that would be a success

That's phrased in such a way that it seems you think that the only reason to use "on the spectrum" is to purposely leave out the word autism.

If that's what you mean then i disagree, It's only my own anecdotal experience, but it's still at least one instance where what you are possibly suggesting is not true.

Coming from a "my interpretation is the only interpretation" viewpoint is an easy way to get confusing input from the world, at least in my personal experience.

It’s not about choosing whether something is offensive to me or not, but whether it is, be it intended or not.

I also disagree with this, offense is inherently subjective, I'd put good money on me not being the only person who thinks that.

I will however concede that "choose" was a bad choice of word on my part, as it's not always as simple as "choosing".

I am aware that people don’t usually use it to purposefully be offensive, and in that sense I can understand it - but that doesn’t change that (depending on the unconscious reason) it is offensive anyway.

See my answer above about subjective opinion vs objective fact.

But it being offensive to you, regardless of intent, i can understand, which is what i was trying to address with :

You can choose to find the phrase itself offensive and let people know of your opinion, but you should probably manage your expectations around how other people are using it so you can get an accurate reading on social intent.

I phrased that poorly, i think it would be better phrased as :

If you find the phrase itself offensive regardless of intent, you can let people know of your opinion, but you should probably at least try to understand the intent behind it so you can more accurately assess the social context and act accordingly.

for example, if you know they don't intend to be offensive and you react with hostility, that's a valid choice, but it does come with consequences, knowing about the potential consequences beforehand means you can better prepare yourself.

[–] port443@discuss.tchncs.de 1 points 3 weeks ago

That’s phrased in such a way that it seems you think that the only reason to use “on the spectrum” is to purposely leave out the word autism.

subjective opinion vs objective fact.

“my interpretation is the only interpretation” viewpoint

I disagree with those, but I don't want to discuss them further because I think it leads nowhere. I posted this for takes from other people, people who disagree could convince me and than I wouldn't have to be annoyed by it's usage anymore and if everyone would agree I could reasonably ask from others to not talk about the spectrum. In any case I would not want to react in a hostile way, even if it annoys and offends me.