I spent a lot of time after my diagnosis at 54 thinking about how to identify myself. This involved a great deal of reading and self-education around the harm that terms like "high-functioning" can have. (Plus on those days when my executive decision making is non-existent, I feel anything BUT high functioning.) I still switch between saying "I have autism" and "I am autistic" but while reading your article I had an "ah-ha!" moment. It's similar to being left-handed (which, of course many people try to "cure."). No one says "I have left-handedness" but "I am left-handed." It, like being autistic, is a result of diverse brain wiring.
I spent a lot of time after my diagnosis at 54 thinking about how to identify myself. This involved a great deal of reading and self-education around the harm that terms like "high-functioning" can have. (Plus on those days when my executive decision making is non-existent, I feel anything BUT high functioning.) I still switch between saying "I have autism" and "I am autistic" but while reading your article I had an "ah-ha!" moment. It's similar to being left-handed (which, of course many people try to "cure."). No one says "I have left-handedness" but "I am left-handed." It, like being autistic, is a result of diverse brain wiring.
Thanks for another great piece of writing.