As I have mentioned before, autism, according to most psychologists nowadays, is actually just another variation of the human brain, known as a neurotype. Because the structure of their brain is different, it is reasonable that different strengths and weaknesses will be present, or more likely, in those with autism. However, in the current version of the DSM, the diagnosis for autism still focuses solely on the weaknesses autistic people are more likely to have. Even worse, some of the “deficits” they list aren’t actually flaws, and are really just seen as such because the majority of the world cannot relate. While we wait for the DSM to change their perspective on ASD, many ASD advocates and allies have come to the rescue with something called “allism.” Allism is essentially a parody to autism, as in, it is the hypothetical condition that neurotypical people would be diagnosed with if they were the minority. If you have never skimmed through the diagnostic criteria for autism, I suggest you do that first, which will be in the first link. In the second link, the diagnostic criteria for allism is described.
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/autism/hcp-dsm.html
https://psychcentral.com/blog/aspie/2018/09/allism-spectrum-disorders-a-parody
The purpose of the parody is to better show allistic (non-autistic) people how absurd it is that our perfectly healthy traits and behaviors are so badly pathologized, even in the Western world. Although everything described in the DSM is true of autistic people, the traits are described in an exclusively negative light, such as with the repetitive use of the word “deficit.” Additionally, not every autistic person experiences these differences so extremely as described, meaning that the DSM does not represent the true spectrum of experiences autistics can have.
Similarly, with the allism description, traits of those with allism are described with negative diction and undertones, and any possible positive aspects of allism are completely left out. As I hope we can all agree, this is quite unfair, no matter which neurotype it affects. In order to allow autistics to live their truth, we must stop pathologizing their existence and accept them for what they are: imperfect people, just like everyone else, who come with their own unique set of assets and flaws.
Oh, and one more thing. Considering how autism is not a bad or inferior thing, I just wanted to include my input on the “autistic person” vs. “person with autism” debate. Everyone has their preferences, but according to many studies I have read at least, it seems that most autistic people prefer the former. What does it matter what order the words go in, anyway? The idea that the two options have imaginary deeper meanings is definitely quite allistic….. lol. But for those that do insist on a deeper meaning between the two, consider this perspective instead:
And don’t forget that every autistic person prefers different language, and if you’re unsure, it never hurts to ask.