Nazi’s are Bad, mmmkay?: Why we don’t use the term Asperger’s Syndrome anymore
As someone who is part of the autistic community, I have noticed that there is still some confusion around the term "Asperger's syndrome." I will periodically run into someone who insists “I don’t have autism, I have asperger’s.” While it used to be a commonly used term, it has been phased out in recent years, with the DSM-5 (the diagnostic manual used by mental health professionals) no longer including it as a separate diagnosis. So why is this the case? While not the only factor, a big reason is we don’t like to name things after Nazis.
ID: a black and white protest street sign that says "smash fascism" photo by Jon Tyson on Unsplash
It all goes back to the person who the term is named after: Hans Asperger. Asperger was an Austrian pediatrician who lived during the time of the Nazi regime. He is known for his work with children who displayed what he called "autistic psychopathy," and for developing a theory that there were different "types" of autism. However, it has since come to light that Asperger was not the hero he was once thought to be. In fact, he was an active participant in the Nazi regime, and his work was part of a larger eugenics program aimed at weeding out "undesirables" from society.
This knowledge has led many in the autism community to question the continued use of the term "Asperger's syndrome." If the term is named after someone who was complicit in the murder of autistic people, it stands to reason that we should not continue to use it. In addition to this, the use of "Asperger's syndrome" has often been associated with a certain level of elitism within the autistic community. Some individuals with Asperger's syndrome have used the term to separate themselves from those with more significant support needs, which can be harmful to those who require more support.
Instead, the DSM-5 now includes all forms of autism under the umbrella term "autism spectrum disorder" (ASD). This is a more inclusive term that recognizes that autism presents differently in each person, and that everyone on the spectrum has their own unique strengths and challenges. It also acknowledges that each person on the spectrum requires support in different areas, and that it is important to meet each individual's needs rather than separating people into different categories.
Now, I’m a firm believer in allowing people to identify however they want. I use identity first language and the term “autistic” when referring to myself and my community, there is a small subsection of the community that prefers person first language and the term “person with autism” when referring to themselves and their community. I can respect that. So what is different about the term Asperger’s? If someone was diagnosed in the 90’s with Asperger’s Syndrome, and it’s what they are used to, why take that away from them? I’m not opposed to grandfathering in the term in some instances and early diagnoses, but I am left with questions as to why? Why do you want to be separated from the rest of the autistic community? Why do you feel the need to align yourself with a term named after a Nazi eugenicist who participated in the murder of people like you? What is it about these things you are holding on to? Because to me, learning those things made me want to get away from the term as fast as possible. And it concerns me when other people don’t feel the same way.
Moving away from the term "Asperger's syndrome" is just one small step in creating a more inclusive and supportive community for all autistic people. It is important to remember that everyone on the spectrum deserves to have their needs met, regardless of where they fall on the spectrum or what diagnosis they may have received in the past. By embracing the diversity within our community and striving for inclusion, we can create a world that is truly accepting and supportive of all autistic people.
Sources:
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.
Silberman, S. (2015). Neurotribes: The legacy of autism and the future of neurodiversity. New York: Avery.