The History and Usage of the Term 'Asperger' in Autism and Neurodiversity
Dr. Hans Asperger, an Austrian/German doctor who is central to the term 'Asperger' in autism, is a controversial figure in the history of neurodiversity. As a doctor who also aligned himself with the Nazi regime, Asperger's association with the atrocities of the concentration camps brings up ethical and moral considerations regarding the use of the term 'Asperger's' today.
The Controversy Surrounding Dr. Hans Asperger
Dr. Asperger first described the term 'Asperger' in 1944, referring to boys who were brought to concentration camps and were considered "impaired but still able to be enslaved, so weren’t killed immediately." This stark historical context is deeply troubling, as it reflects a systematic devaluation and objectification of children based on their cognitive and social abilities. Unlike the infamous Josef Mengele, Dr. Asperger's complicity in the Nazi regime, although not as overt, has led to a significant reevaluation of his work and legacy.
Modern Understanding and Revisions
With the advent of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in the late 1980s and early 1990s, the term 'Asperger Syndrome' began to be used more frequently in clinical and academic settings. However, the American Psychiatric Association's diagnostic manual, the DSM-5, and the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), no longer includes Asperger's as a separate category. Instead, it is subsumed under the broader category of 'Autism Spectrum Disorder,' reflecting a recognition of the diverse and varying expressions of autism.
The decision to remove 'Asperger Syndrome' from diagnostic manuals in 2013 was driven by the desire to create a more comprehensive understanding of autism. This move was influenced by the increasing recognition of the neurodiversity movement, which emphasizes the value and legitimacy of diversity in neurological conditions. Instead of viewing autism as a single, homogeneous condition with a clear boundary delineating it from other conditions, the neurodiversity perspective celebrates the diversity of autistic experiences and the unique strengths and challenges that come with autism.
Autism as a Spectrum
Today, autism is seen as a spectrum of conditions, each with its own set of characteristics and challenges. The term 'high-functioning autism' is often used to describe individuals who have a superior ability to communicate and function in everyday life, but still experience certain difficulties related to social interaction and sensory sensitivity. This understanding is a far cry from the 'mild' classification that many people once associated with Asperger's.
Neurodiversity advocates argue that autism should be seen as a natural variation in human cognition and behavior, much like left-handedness or color blindness. Each individual on the autism spectrum has their unique set of strengths and challenges, and this diversity is celebrated rather than pathologized or minimized. In fact, the term 'autism' is now a much more encompassing term, reflecting the rich diversity of autistic individuals.
Many individuals with autism and their advocates prefer terms like 'high-functioning autism' or 'neurodivergent' over 'Asperger's' due to the ethical concerns associated with Dr. Asperger's history. These terms provide a more accurate and respectful description of the experiences and challenges faced by autistic individuals.
Conclusion
The term 'Asperger' remains a contentious issue within the autism community. While some individuals and medical professionals still use the term to describe a specific subset of autism, the overwhelming majority have moved towards broader terms that encompass the diverse and varied experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum. Understanding the history and implications of terms like 'Asperger' is crucial for fostering a more inclusive and compassionate society that values and respects neurodiversity.