Understanding the Shift: Asperger's Syndrome to Autism Spectrum Disorder
Medical terminology is continuously updated to accurately define conditions and align with modern society, particularly when terms are considered outdated or offensive. One such term that has fallen out of favor due to its inaccuracy and problematic history is Asperger's Syndrome. Previously regarded as a "mild" form of autism, this term has been replaced with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in recent years. When the author of this article received an autism diagnosis, she was initially told it was Asperger's Syndrome, but later professionals recognized it as ASD, considering the prior term outdated. Such changes in terminology can be confusing, so what led to this shift?
The DSM-5, released in 2013, excluded the diagnosis of Asperger's Syndrome, along with Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD) and Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS). These conditions were consolidated under the umbrella of Autism Spectrum Disorder. This modification reflects the evolving understanding of autism and its various presentations. Instead of separate diagnoses, autism is now classified based on severity ratings that indicate the level of support required, portraying autism as a spectrum rather than distinct conditions.
However, the more troubling aspect is the origin of the term Asperger's Syndrome itself. It was named after Hans Asperger, a member of the Nazi party who was complicit in the murder of numerous children with disabilities. For many years, Asperger's involvement with the Nazi party was concealed by the medical community, until historian Professor Edith Sheffer exposed his Nazi ties in her book "Asperger's Children: The Origins Of Autism In Nazi Vienna." Asperger's work with autistic children was intertwined with his eugenicist beliefs and practices, and he proudly participated in the Nazi party. Naming a condition after him was an undeserved badge of honor. In reality, Soviet child psychiatrist Grunya Sukhareva, a Jewish woman, was the first to identify the behaviors later recognized as autism.
The removal of Asperger's Syndrome from diagnostic material and the discontinuation of its name signify a crucial step in the acceptance of autism. It demonstrates a shift toward embracing autism as an inherent part of diverse individuals, rather than perceiving it as a burden. While Hans Asperger argued that autistic individuals were valuable solely due to their potential specialized skills, we now understand that autistic individuals are valuable simply because they are human beings. Rejecting his name means rejecting his eugenicist and fascist philosophy. Professor Sheffer eloquently stated in an interview with NPR, "Eponymous diagnoses are granted to honor individuals who are describing a condition for the first time and to commend their work as human beings. And in my opinion, Asperger merits neither."
In conclusion, the shift away from using the term "Asperger's Syndrome" in favor of Autism Spectrum Disorder represents an important milestone in the acceptance and understanding of autism. The decision to remove this name from diagnostic material acknowledges the problematic history of its namesake, Hans Asperger, who was involved in the Nazi party's atrocities against children with disabilities. By rejecting his philosophy of eugenics and fascism, we affirm the value of autistic individuals as human beings deserving of respect and acceptance. Embracing autism as a diverse and integral part of humanity allows us to move beyond outdated notions and honor the contributions and potential of all individuals, regardless of their neurodiversity. Let us continue striving for inclusivity and empathy as we support and uplift autistic voices and experiences.
