slate "journalist" diagnoses herself as autistic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Why the eye-roll?

You think people with ADHD, autism, anxiety or depression cannot recognize their symptoms?

I think the idea that a woman with access to health care is going to self-diagnose autism and write about it as an attention-getting mechanism is absurd, yes, considering all we do here to get effective diagnoses professionally for our kids. Autism is not being a "weird kid" or feeling awkward.

No. I spent lots of money to confirm ADHD in my son for school support, but we know he’s also Aspie and will not pay for a diagnosis, since it won’t get him more help. I can well imagine this person doing the same. She’s an adult. She found an interesting thing to write about. A formal diagnosis won’t change much.

The point is she likely has NO diagnosis. She as a personality that she's decided to call "autism" because it provides some kind of reward for her to do so. Likewise, you don't "know" your son is autistic, because you haven't had him tested. I have no issue with you not pursuing testing, but if this stuff means anything, it's got to be based on actual science, not how you "feel." Next thing we know anyone will be able to self-identify as autistic because they feel like it.

Actually my husband and I are doctors and research scientists (but not psychologists), and we do have an excellent idea of what’s likely to be clinical or not.

My point is that those disorders are on a spectrum, and I tend to trust intelligent adults to recognize their own symptoms. She may be clinical or subclinical in her presentation, but there is no reason to disbelieve her if she thinks she has symptoms.

It’s not a good look to roll your eyes at others’ experiences.

Right ... it’s so hard for doctors to diagnose, yet easy for people to self-diagnose? The ONLY way that makes sense is if autism is now a trendy identity (in some circles) based in part on a belief that the medical establishment is discriminating against them. That pisses me off because it muddles up a lot of stuff for people conscientiously trying to understand and access care for their kids.

It doesn't do that, no. Although it's pretty clear that you think that it does, somehow.

It completely trivializes the struggle of people who are actually autistic & parents of autistic kids. that’s why it pisses me off.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you feel the same if someone writes about having depression (without having had a psychiatrist diagnose them)?

If someone claimed they had clinical depression and never sought therapy for it — which would entail a diagnosis — yes, I would feel the same.

Op, why do you feel this way? I haven’t been professionally diagnosed with clinical depression, but from reading the symptoms, I know that I have clinical depression. I haven’t sought out therapy because I just haven’t. Been afraid of opening the wounds that I think causes it.

My DS is has been diagnosed with autism, if this lady want to join the struggle, how does that hurt my son?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Why the eye-roll?

You think people with ADHD, autism, anxiety or depression cannot recognize their symptoms?

I think the idea that a woman with access to health care is going to self-diagnose autism and write about it as an attention-getting mechanism is absurd, yes, considering all we do here to get effective diagnoses professionally for our kids. Autism is not being a "weird kid" or feeling awkward.

No. I spent lots of money to confirm ADHD in my son for school support, but we know he’s also Aspie and will not pay for a diagnosis, since it won’t get him more help. I can well imagine this person doing the same. She’s an adult. She found an interesting thing to write about. A formal diagnosis won’t change much.

The point is she likely has NO diagnosis. She as a personality that she's decided to call "autism" because it provides some kind of reward for her to do so. Likewise, you don't "know" your son is autistic, because you haven't had him tested. I have no issue with you not pursuing testing, but if this stuff means anything, it's got to be based on actual science, not how you "feel." Next thing we know anyone will be able to self-identify as autistic because they feel like it.

Actually my husband and I are doctors and research scientists (but not psychologists), and we do have an excellent idea of what’s likely to be clinical or not.

My point is that those disorders are on a spectrum, and I tend to trust intelligent adults to recognize their own symptoms. She may be clinical or subclinical in her presentation, but there is no reason to disbelieve her if she thinks she has symptoms.

It’s not a good look to roll your eyes at others’ experiences.

Right ... it’s so hard for doctors to diagnose, yet easy for people to self-diagnose? The ONLY way that makes sense is if autism is now a trendy identity (in some circles) based in part on a belief that the medical establishment is discriminating against them. That pisses me off because it muddles up a lot of stuff for people conscientiously trying to understand and access care for their kids.

It doesn't do that, no. Although it's pretty clear that you think that it does, somehow.

It completely trivializes the struggle of people who are actually autistic & parents of autistic kids. that’s why it pisses me off.

She is a parent of an autistic kid. Same as you.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, do you feel the same if someone writes about having depression (without having had a psychiatrist diagnose them)?

If someone claimed they had clinical depression and never sought therapy for it — which would entail a diagnosis — yes, I would feel the same.

Op, why do you feel this way? I haven’t been professionally diagnosed with clinical depression, but from reading the symptoms, I know that I have clinical depression. I haven’t sought out therapy because I just haven’t. Been afraid of opening the wounds that I think causes it.

My DS is has been diagnosed with autism, if this lady want to join the struggle, how does that hurt my son?

If you have never needed therapy, you don’t have clinical depression, and if you wrote a dramatic blog post all about your clinical depression I would think you were a twit.

You don’t have to feel the same way I do. Part of this is specifically about Nicole Cliff’s position as a Twitter personality in the cancel-culture millieau, and I truly don’t want autism research and treatment mixed up with that nonsense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Why the eye-roll?

You think people with ADHD, autism, anxiety or depression cannot recognize their symptoms?

I think the idea that a woman with access to health care is going to self-diagnose autism and write about it as an attention-getting mechanism is absurd, yes, considering all we do here to get effective diagnoses professionally for our kids. Autism is not being a "weird kid" or feeling awkward.

No. I spent lots of money to confirm ADHD in my son for school support, but we know he’s also Aspie and will not pay for a diagnosis, since it won’t get him more help. I can well imagine this person doing the same. She’s an adult. She found an interesting thing to write about. A formal diagnosis won’t change much.

The point is she likely has NO diagnosis. She as a personality that she's decided to call "autism" because it provides some kind of reward for her to do so. Likewise, you don't "know" your son is autistic, because you haven't had him tested. I have no issue with you not pursuing testing, but if this stuff means anything, it's got to be based on actual science, not how you "feel." Next thing we know anyone will be able to self-identify as autistic because they feel like it.

Actually my husband and I are doctors and research scientists (but not psychologists), and we do have an excellent idea of what’s likely to be clinical or not.

My point is that those disorders are on a spectrum, and I tend to trust intelligent adults to recognize their own symptoms. She may be clinical or subclinical in her presentation, but there is no reason to disbelieve her if she thinks she has symptoms.

It’s not a good look to roll your eyes at others’ experiences.

Right ... it’s so hard for doctors to diagnose, yet easy for people to self-diagnose? The ONLY way that makes sense is if autism is now a trendy identity (in some circles) based in part on a belief that the medical establishment is discriminating against them. That pisses me off because it muddles up a lot of stuff for people conscientiously trying to understand and access care for their kids.

It doesn't do that, no. Although it's pretty clear that you think that it does, somehow.

It completely trivializes the struggle of people who are actually autistic & parents of autistic kids. that’s why it pisses me off.

She is a parent of an autistic kid. Same as you.

Well I wonder if her kid is autistic, or if she just self-diagnosed him.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Why the eye-roll?

You think people with ADHD, autism, anxiety or depression cannot recognize their symptoms?

I think the idea that a woman with access to health care is going to self-diagnose autism and write about it as an attention-getting mechanism is absurd, yes, considering all we do here to get effective diagnoses professionally for our kids. Autism is not being a "weird kid" or feeling awkward.

No. I spent lots of money to confirm ADHD in my son for school support, but we know he’s also Aspie and will not pay for a diagnosis, since it won’t get him more help. I can well imagine this person doing the same. She’s an adult. She found an interesting thing to write about. A formal diagnosis won’t change much.

The point is she likely has NO diagnosis. She as a personality that she's decided to call "autism" because it provides some kind of reward for her to do so. Likewise, you don't "know" your son is autistic, because you haven't had him tested. I have no issue with you not pursuing testing, but if this stuff means anything, it's got to be based on actual science, not how you "feel." Next thing we know anyone will be able to self-identify as autistic because they feel like it.

Actually my husband and I are doctors and research scientists (but not psychologists), and we do have an excellent idea of what’s likely to be clinical or not.

My point is that those disorders are on a spectrum, and I tend to trust intelligent adults to recognize their own symptoms. She may be clinical or subclinical in her presentation, but there is no reason to disbelieve her if she thinks she has symptoms.

It’s not a good look to roll your eyes at others’ experiences.

Right ... it’s so hard for doctors to diagnose, yet easy for people to self-diagnose? The ONLY way that makes sense is if autism is now a trendy identity (in some circles) based in part on a belief that the medical establishment is discriminating against them. That pisses me off because it muddles up a lot of stuff for people conscientiously trying to understand and access care for their kids.

It doesn't do that, no. Although it's pretty clear that you think that it does, somehow.

It completely trivializes the struggle of people who are actually autistic & parents of autistic kids. that’s why it pisses me off.

No, not really. ASD exists on such an incredibly wide spectrum that there is no single common experience. I know plenty of people with Asperger's who haven't really struggled with their lives. My husband and his male relatives, for starters. This bears no resemblance whatsoever to people who are non-verbal autistic. See?

It seems this article is triggering for you. As you can see, some of us with experience in autism and other disorders don't feel the same way at all. It might be good for you to explore why you feel so angry. It may be because you haven't entirely accepted the diagnosis and its consequences yet.

[Anonymous]

OP have you been tested?

Your reaction to someone else's experience is so off key, bizarre, self focused etc ..
You said dc is on the spectrum and it is inherited so I'm wondering if you and DCs father were tested after dc?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Why the eye-roll?

You think people with ADHD, autism, anxiety or depression cannot recognize their symptoms?

I think the idea that a woman with access to health care is going to self-diagnose autism and write about it as an attention-getting mechanism is absurd, yes, considering all we do here to get effective diagnoses professionally for our kids. Autism is not being a "weird kid" or feeling awkward.

No. I spent lots of money to confirm ADHD in my son for school support, but we know he’s also Aspie and will not pay for a diagnosis, since it won’t get him more help. I can well imagine this person doing the same. She’s an adult. She found an interesting thing to write about. A formal diagnosis won’t change much.

The point is she likely has NO diagnosis. She as a personality that she's decided to call "autism" because it provides some kind of reward for her to do so. Likewise, you don't "know" your son is autistic, because you haven't had him tested. I have no issue with you not pursuing testing, but if this stuff means anything, it's got to be based on actual science, not how you "feel." Next thing we know anyone will be able to self-identify as autistic because they feel like it.

Actually my husband and I are doctors and research scientists (but not psychologists), and we do have an excellent idea of what’s likely to be clinical or not.

My point is that those disorders are on a spectrum, and I tend to trust intelligent adults to recognize their own symptoms. She may be clinical or subclinical in her presentation, but there is no reason to disbelieve her if she thinks she has symptoms.

It’s not a good look to roll your eyes at others’ experiences.

Right ... it’s so hard for doctors to diagnose, yet easy for people to self-diagnose? The ONLY way that makes sense is if autism is now a trendy identity (in some circles) based in part on a belief that the medical establishment is discriminating against them. That pisses me off because it muddles up a lot of stuff for people conscientiously trying to understand and access care for their kids.

It doesn't do that, no. Although it's pretty clear that you think that it does, somehow.

It completely trivializes the struggle of people who are actually autistic & parents of autistic kids. that’s why it pisses me off.

No, not really. ASD exists on such an incredibly wide spectrum that there is no single common experience. I know plenty of people with Asperger's who haven't really struggled with their lives. My husband and his male relatives, for starters. This bears no resemblance whatsoever to people who are non-verbal autistic. See?

It seems this article is triggering for you. As you can see, some of us with experience in autism and other disorders don't feel the same way at all. It might be good for you to explore why you feel so angry. It may be because you haven't entirely accepted the diagnosis and its consequences yet.

the definition of autism is that it interferes with functioning and requires support. you can be as quirky as you want, but if it doesn’t impact your life, it is not. neurodevelopmental disorder. just call it something else if you need a label. how about ... quirky?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP have you been tested?

Your reaction to someone else's experience is so off key, bizarre, self focused etc ..
You said dc is on the spectrum and it is inherited so I'm wondering if you and DCs father were tested after dc?

That must be it. I thought this way upthread, but didn't actually post

Never mind, OP. We can just agree to disagree. Some of us are professionals in the field, and we're OK with what this person has written.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP have you been tested?

Your reaction to someone else's experience is so off key, bizarre, self focused etc ..
You said dc is on the spectrum and it is inherited so I'm wondering if you and DCs father were tested after dc?

That must be it. I thought this way upthread, but didn't actually post

Never mind, OP. We can just agree to disagree. Some of us are professionals in the field, and we're OK with what this person has written.

yay, I have autism, you have autism, autism for everyone! the

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Why the eye-roll?

You think people with ADHD, autism, anxiety or depression cannot recognize their symptoms?

I think the idea that a woman with access to health care is going to self-diagnose autism and write about it as an attention-getting mechanism is absurd, yes, considering all we do here to get effective diagnoses professionally for our kids. Autism is not being a "weird kid" or feeling awkward.

No. I spent lots of money to confirm ADHD in my son for school support, but we know he’s also Aspie and will not pay for a diagnosis, since it won’t get him more help. I can well imagine this person doing the same. She’s an adult. She found an interesting thing to write about. A formal diagnosis won’t change much.

The point is she likely has NO diagnosis. She as a personality that she's decided to call "autism" because it provides some kind of reward for her to do so. Likewise, you don't "know" your son is autistic, because you haven't had him tested. I have no issue with you not pursuing testing, but if this stuff means anything, it's got to be based on actual science, not how you "feel." Next thing we know anyone will be able to self-identify as autistic because they feel like it.

Actually my husband and I are doctors and research scientists (but not psychologists), and we do have an excellent idea of what’s likely to be clinical or not.

My point is that those disorders are on a spectrum, and I tend to trust intelligent adults to recognize their own symptoms. She may be clinical or subclinical in her presentation, but there is no reason to disbelieve her if she thinks she has symptoms.

It’s not a good look to roll your eyes at others’ experiences.

Right ... it’s so hard for doctors to diagnose, yet easy for people to self-diagnose? The ONLY way that makes sense is if autism is now a trendy identity (in some circles) based in part on a belief that the medical establishment is discriminating against them. That pisses me off because it muddles up a lot of stuff for people conscientiously trying to understand and access care for their kids.

It doesn't do that, no. Although it's pretty clear that you think that it does, somehow.

It completely trivializes the struggle of people who are actually autistic & parents of autistic kids. that’s why it pisses me off.

No, not really. ASD exists on such an incredibly wide spectrum that there is no single common experience. I know plenty of people with Asperger's who haven't really struggled with their lives. My husband and his male relatives, for starters. This bears no resemblance whatsoever to people who are non-verbal autistic. See?

It seems this article is triggering for you. As you can see, some of us with experience in autism and other disorders don't feel the same way at all. It might be good for you to explore why you feel so angry. It may be because you haven't entirely accepted the diagnosis and its consequences yet.

the definition of autism is that it interferes with functioning and requires support. you can be as quirky as you want, but if it doesn’t impact your life, it is not. neurodevelopmental disorder. just call it something else if you need a label. how about ... quirky?

Quote the DSM please

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Why the eye-roll?

You think people with ADHD, autism, anxiety or depression cannot recognize their symptoms?

I think the idea that a woman with access to health care is going to self-diagnose autism and write about it as an attention-getting mechanism is absurd, yes, considering all we do here to get effective diagnoses professionally for our kids. Autism is not being a "weird kid" or feeling awkward.

No. I spent lots of money to confirm ADHD in my son for school support, but we know he’s also Aspie and will not pay for a diagnosis, since it won’t get him more help. I can well imagine this person doing the same. She’s an adult. She found an interesting thing to write about. A formal diagnosis won’t change much.

The point is she likely has NO diagnosis. She as a personality that she's decided to call "autism" because it provides some kind of reward for her to do so. Likewise, you don't "know" your son is autistic, because you haven't had him tested. I have no issue with you not pursuing testing, but if this stuff means anything, it's got to be based on actual science, not how you "feel." Next thing we know anyone will be able to self-identify as autistic because they feel like it.

Actually my husband and I are doctors and research scientists (but not psychologists), and we do have an excellent idea of what’s likely to be clinical or not.

My point is that those disorders are on a spectrum, and I tend to trust intelligent adults to recognize their own symptoms. She may be clinical or subclinical in her presentation, but there is no reason to disbelieve her if she thinks she has symptoms.

It’s not a good look to roll your eyes at others’ experiences.

Right ... it’s so hard for doctors to diagnose, yet easy for people to self-diagnose? The ONLY way that makes sense is if autism is now a trendy identity (in some circles) based in part on a belief that the medical establishment is discriminating against them. That pisses me off because it muddles up a lot of stuff for people conscientiously trying to understand and access care for their kids.

It doesn't do that, no. Although it's pretty clear that you think that it does, somehow.

It completely trivializes the struggle of people who are actually autistic & parents of autistic kids. that’s why it pisses me off.

No, not really. ASD exists on such an incredibly wide spectrum that there is no single common experience. I know plenty of people with Asperger's who haven't really struggled with their lives. My husband and his male relatives, for starters. This bears no resemblance whatsoever to people who are non-verbal autistic. See?

It seems this article is triggering for you. As you can see, some of us with experience in autism and other disorders don't feel the same way at all. It might be good for you to explore why you feel so angry. It may be because you haven't entirely accepted the diagnosis and its consequences yet.

the definition of autism is that it interferes with functioning and requires support. you can be as quirky as you want, but if it doesn’t impact your life, it is not. neurodevelopmental disorder. just call it something else if you need a label. how about ... quirky?

Quote the DSM please

symptoms must cause “clinically significant impairment.”

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Why the eye-roll?

You think people with ADHD, autism, anxiety or depression cannot recognize their symptoms?

I think the idea that a woman with access to health care is going to self-diagnose autism and write about it as an attention-getting mechanism is absurd, yes, considering all we do here to get effective diagnoses professionally for our kids. Autism is not being a "weird kid" or feeling awkward.

No. I spent lots of money to confirm ADHD in my son for school support, but we know he’s also Aspie and will not pay for a diagnosis, since it won’t get him more help. I can well imagine this person doing the same. She’s an adult. She found an interesting thing to write about. A formal diagnosis won’t change much.

The point is she likely has NO diagnosis. She as a personality that she's decided to call "autism" because it provides some kind of reward for her to do so. Likewise, you don't "know" your son is autistic, because you haven't had him tested. I have no issue with you not pursuing testing, but if this stuff means anything, it's got to be based on actual science, not how you "feel." Next thing we know anyone will be able to self-identify as autistic because they feel like it.

Actually my husband and I are doctors and research scientists (but not psychologists), and we do have an excellent idea of what’s likely to be clinical or not.

My point is that those disorders are on a spectrum, and I tend to trust intelligent adults to recognize their own symptoms. She may be clinical or subclinical in her presentation, but there is no reason to disbelieve her if she thinks she has symptoms.

It’s not a good look to roll your eyes at others’ experiences.

Right ... it’s so hard for doctors to diagnose, yet easy for people to self-diagnose? The ONLY way that makes sense is if autism is now a trendy identity (in some circles) based in part on a belief that the medical establishment is discriminating against them. That pisses me off because it muddles up a lot of stuff for people conscientiously trying to understand and access care for their kids.

It doesn't do that, no. Although it's pretty clear that you think that it does, somehow.

It completely trivializes the struggle of people who are actually autistic & parents of autistic kids. that’s why it pisses me off.

No, not really. ASD exists on such an incredibly wide spectrum that there is no single common experience. I know plenty of people with Asperger's who haven't really struggled with their lives. My husband and his male relatives, for starters. This bears no resemblance whatsoever to people who are non-verbal autistic. See?

It seems this article is triggering for you. As you can see, some of us with experience in autism and other disorders don't feel the same way at all. It might be good for you to explore why you feel so angry. It may be because you haven't entirely accepted the diagnosis and its consequences yet.

the definition of autism is that it interferes with functioning and requires support. you can be as quirky as you want, but if it doesn’t impact your life, it is not. neurodevelopmental disorder. just call it something else if you need a label. how about ... quirky?

Quote the DSM please

symptoms must cause “clinically significant impairment.”

Ah what you mean is:
"Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning."

Since you, OP, aren't able to know a single thing about the journalist other than what she chose to disclose in one article, you have ABSOLUTELY NO idea where her impairment lies. You're also in no position to reflect upon what is or isn't "clinically significant," since you aren't a clinician.
In fact, you're being absolutely ridiculous to say with a straight face that someone doesn't have autism because.... wait for it.... they shouldn't be making diagnoses themselves. You're your own heretic!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:
Why the eye-roll?

You think people with ADHD, autism, anxiety or depression cannot recognize their symptoms?

I think the idea that a woman with access to health care is going to self-diagnose autism and write about it as an attention-getting mechanism is absurd, yes, considering all we do here to get effective diagnoses professionally for our kids. Autism is not being a "weird kid" or feeling awkward.

No. I spent lots of money to confirm ADHD in my son for school support, but we know he’s also Aspie and will not pay for a diagnosis, since it won’t get him more help. I can well imagine this person doing the same. She’s an adult. She found an interesting thing to write about. A formal diagnosis won’t change much.

The point is she likely has NO diagnosis. She as a personality that she's decided to call "autism" because it provides some kind of reward for her to do so. Likewise, you don't "know" your son is autistic, because you haven't had him tested. I have no issue with you not pursuing testing, but if this stuff means anything, it's got to be based on actual science, not how you "feel." Next thing we know anyone will be able to self-identify as autistic because they feel like it.

Actually my husband and I are doctors and research scientists (but not psychologists), and we do have an excellent idea of what’s likely to be clinical or not.

My point is that those disorders are on a spectrum, and I tend to trust intelligent adults to recognize their own symptoms. She may be clinical or subclinical in her presentation, but there is no reason to disbelieve her if she thinks she has symptoms.

It’s not a good look to roll your eyes at others’ experiences.

Right ... it’s so hard for doctors to diagnose, yet easy for people to self-diagnose? The ONLY way that makes sense is if autism is now a trendy identity (in some circles) based in part on a belief that the medical establishment is discriminating against them. That pisses me off because it muddles up a lot of stuff for people conscientiously trying to understand and access care for their kids.

It doesn't do that, no. Although it's pretty clear that you think that it does, somehow.

It completely trivializes the struggle of people who are actually autistic & parents of autistic kids. that’s why it pisses me off.

No, not really. ASD exists on such an incredibly wide spectrum that there is no single common experience. I know plenty of people with Asperger's who haven't really struggled with their lives. My husband and his male relatives, for starters. This bears no resemblance whatsoever to people who are non-verbal autistic. See?

It seems this article is triggering for you. As you can see, some of us with experience in autism and other disorders don't feel the same way at all. It might be good for you to explore why you feel so angry. It may be because you haven't entirely accepted the diagnosis and its consequences yet.

the definition of autism is that it interferes with functioning and requires support. you can be as quirky as you want, but if it doesn’t impact your life, it is not. neurodevelopmental disorder. just call it something else if you need a label. how about ... quirky?

Quote the DSM please

symptoms must cause “clinically significant impairment.”

Ah what you mean is:
"Symptoms cause clinically significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of current functioning."

Since you, OP, aren't able to know a single thing about the journalist other than what she chose to disclose in one article, you have ABSOLUTELY NO idea where her impairment lies. You're also in no position to reflect upon what is or isn't "clinically significant," since you aren't a clinician.
In fact, you're being absolutely ridiculous to say with a straight face that someone doesn't have autism because.... wait for it.... they shouldn't be making diagnoses themselves. You're your own heretic!

hey, I have a great idea about how we can help make sure there’s consistency in evaluating and defining what autism is! how about if some smart people developed normed instruments and clinical practices to professionally evaluate and diagnose!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

If you have never needed therapy, you don’t have clinical depression, and if you wrote a dramatic blog post all about your clinical depression I would think you were a twit.

You don’t have to feel the same way I do. Part of this is specifically about Nicole Cliff’s position as a Twitter personality in the cancel-culture millieau, and I truly don’t want autism research and treatment mixed up with that nonsense.

Oh, so it's "spectrum" that you don't understand.

The diagnostic criteria for depression, as for autism, layer out into levels of severity. Some can be lived with or dealt with without professional help, although it is a challenge.

PP, not all clinical depression is a "major depressive episode." Not all autism is expressed at the severe end of the spectrum. If you can't admit that, then it is you who is unprofessional and unscientific, because you are going off on your own with that outdated perspective.