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Why We No Longer Use the Term "Asperger's Syndrome"

Why is Asperger's Syndrome No Longer Used

Since around the 1980s, the term Asperger syndrome started to become a more and more popular way of being able to identify autistic individuals who did not have any additional learning disabilities. What this meant was that the term was used to describe individuals who had “minor sensory and social issues but otherwise seemed okay.” Fast forward to today and the idea that autistic traits are on a spectrum of experience has become much more popular. As such, Asperger’s Syndrome no longer needed to be distinct from being autistic like it had in the past.

You may have also heard that individuals who used to meet the qualifications for Asperger syndrome are now being assessed with “autism level one.” The level one part is a term used between health professionals to describe the level of impact a person’s autistic traits have on them in their day-to-day activities. For example, level 1 would be a minimal impact where the person needs minimal support maintaining social bonds, handling day-to-day tasks, and supporting themselves financially and otherwise. Those who would meet the criteria for autistic level 2 would need more pronounced support in a particular area. For example, somebody who is autistic level 2 might need cleaning staff to help with organization once or twice a week and regular support from a social worker to maintain social connections. Finally, someone who is autistic level 3 would have major sensory and stimulation management issues, leading to a fully dependent lifestyle on a care facilitator. Often, someone who is autistic level 3 would also have challenges with speech and most, if not all, day-to-day activities.

In addition to this reason, Asperger’s syndrome is no longer used because of its ableist roots associated with the Nazis. For those who don’t know, Hans Asperger was an Austrian psychiatrist affiliated with the Nazis, whose job it was to assess whether or not individuals who showed some differences were “able to fit into societal standards set by the Nazis.” Hans Asperger spoke of individuals who exhibited social differences but otherwise did not seem to have any associated learning disability. Hans Asperger would determine those in this group to be fit, while those in other groups would be deemed unfit, often leading to their death. Through careful research, it became apparent that Hans Asperger’s actions led to the deaths of several children who appeared to have learning disabilities of any kind. As one can imagine, once this information became more popularized, it led to more and more people distancing themselves from the term.

Today, most individuals who are autistic refer to themselves through what is known as identity-first language. This means they see autism as a part of themselves, rather than as a separate “medical diagnosis that needs to be fixed.” This leads to people referring to themselves as “autistic” rather than “a person with autism.” This shift also aims to distance the nature of being autistic from the medical model of understanding that has been harmful to some autistic individuals in the past.

We Meet You Where You Are

If you were assessed with Asperger’s syndrome, likely between 1994 and 2013 in America, and have been attached to Asperger’s syndrome as a part of your identity, we are happy to meet you where you are. Feeling like your therapist understands this piece of your identity is important and may lead to better therapeutic outcomes. This is why we are happy to provide support regardless of how you may identify.

If you’re looking for more information on how we may be able to support you in therapy, feel free to review our page on Autism Informed Therapy and to reach out for a free consultation. We would be happy to speak with you and to see if our team may be a good therapeutic match.

Difficulty Focusing and Sustaining Attention

Challenges in Maintaining Concentration

ADHD adults often find it challenging to concentrate on tasks, especially those that require sustained mental effort. This difficulty can manifest as:

  • Frequent daydreaming
  • Struggling to complete tasks
  • Trouble following conversations

How focus is expressed also depends on ADHD type, as there are differences between ADHD Inattentive, ADHD Hyperactive, and ADHD Combination types.

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Impulsivity

Acting Without Thinking

Impulsivity is another common symptom of ADHD in adults. This can include:

  • Making hasty decisions without considering the consequences
  • Interrupting others during conversations
  • Difficulty waiting in lines or for turns

Impulsivity is much more common in those that meet the qualifications for ADHD Hyperactive type, or ADHD Combination type.

Disorganization and Time Management Challenges

Struggles with Organization and Scheduling

Disorganization and challenges with time management are common in ADHD adults. Symptoms include:

  • Challenges attending time-sensitive commitments on time
  • Frequently losing or misplacing items
  • Difficulty ranking and prioritizing tasks
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Emotional Management and Identification Challenges

Difficulty in Handling and Recognizing Emotions

Emotional management and identification can be a significant challenge for ADHD adults, leading to:

  • What appears to be mood swings
  • Irritability
  • Challenges recognizing how one is feeling

Restlessness

A Constant State of Unease

ADHD Adults can often experience restlessness as well, such as:

  • Feeling “constantly on edge”
  • Difficulty relaxing
  • Frequent fidgeting

This is especially true for those who are ADHD Hyperactive type or ADHD Combination type.

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The Importance of an ADHD Diagnosis and Assessment in Adults

Benefits of Knowing Your ADHD Type

Getting an ADHD diagnosis as an adult is important as not only does it help to know that you have a shared identity with others, but it also makes accessing coaching strategies easier. This is because knowing what ADHD type you fall into (inattentive, combination, or hyperactive) can affect what ADHD strategies are more likely to show results. Additionally, many people report that getting an assessment has helped them to limit contributing some daily challenges to personal failings, leading to a gentler self-narrative and self-image.

Diagnostic Process

Steps to Getting an ADHD Assessment

The diagnostic process typically involves a comprehensive evaluation, including:

  • Detailed personal and family medical history
  • Psychological assessments
  • Interviews with close family members or partners

Although we at Unique Peace Counselling do not offer ADHD diagnosis as a service, we are able to offer leads to psychologists in the Ottawa area that provide this service. Please note, these leads would not be affiliated with Unique Peace Counselling and are subject to availability.

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Professional Support

Personalized Guidance for ADHD Management

Working with a professional counsellor who specializes in supporting ADHD adults can provide valuable support and guidance. At Unique Peace Counselling, we offer personalized counselling services to help adults to identify their ADHD symptoms and improve their self-awareness and self-compassion. In the event that we aren’t the best fit, we also pride ourselves in offering leads to other services custom-tailored to specific client needs. Please note, these leads would not be affiliated with Unique Peace Counselling and are subject to availability.

Overcome Mental & Emotional Health Challenges with
Kalon Roy, RP

Committed to Your Unique Needs

I am Kalon Roy, a registered psychotherapist since 2017. I work with individuals, couples, and families to address various mental and emotional health challenges. My approach focuses on understanding your unique situation rather than relying solely on a diagnosis. Through empathy and personalized treatment plans, I aim to tackle the roots of your problems and help you reach your goals.
Let’s determine your path together. Reach out today and let’s chat!