Why the words "every one of us hovers somewhere along the autistic spectrum" are so dangerous

The Guardian, Friday 26th April 2019

Today I offer another post based on a newspaper report, as Greta Thunberg and her autism diagnosis continue to generate debate (see here).

This time around the report (letter) in question (see here) titled "Autism and Asperger’s are useless diagnostic labels" is the focus, and, in my opinion, quite a dangerous quote included in the text: "... every one of us hovers somewhere along the autistic spectrum."

Why is it so dangerous to imply that the general population is just a (hovering) footstep away from autism spectrum you might ask? Well, I don't think anyone would disagree with the idea that the behaviours noted in autism aren't something that's just magically present in those diagnosed. Such behaviours can be seen in various other states or conditions and/or across various different times of life and maturation. The thing that makes the presentation of such behaviours so distinct and worthy of a diagnosis of autism is the frequency and intensity of such behaviours and importantly, the way they significantly impinge on functioning and daily life. In that respect, yes, autistic behaviours are part of the complex and intricate tapestry of life. But the (sustained) frequency and impact of such behaviours distinguish autism from not-autism.

In such a context then, the idea that everyone hovers along the autism spectrum is a misnomer. It conflates the 'autistic behaviours are part of the complex and intricate tapestry of life' idea with the important reasons why an autism diagnosis is given. This is dangerous because it has the potential to belittle a diagnosis of autism and what it means to those in receipt of such a diagnosis; often a diagnosis that as taken months/years to finally receive. Indeed some people have suggested that the claim that 'everyone is on the autism spectrum' is an "absolute sin"...

It's also dangerous because such thinking opens the door to other things like the self-diagnosis of autism. I've talked about self-diagnosis quite a bit on this blog (see here and see here) and how, self-realisation is often an important (nay, crucial) step to getting an autism diagnosis for many. When however such self-realisation turns to self-identification and/or self-diagnosis on the basis of various 'are you autistic?' screens available on the Internet and beyond (see here), the side-stepping of formal assessments can lead to problems. Problems that can include potentially missing important conditions/states that seemingly overlap with autism or the presentation of autistic traits (see here and see here) as well as also skewing some important narratives from those who have been formally diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder and their experiences.

I know some people disagree with such a position. Some people think that the diagnostic criteria for autism are too stringent, too medically focused, or access to formal assessment/diagnostic services is too restricted and costly. I don't disagree that we need to do more to 'fill a gap' and ensure that those who might fulfil the diagnostic criteria (including the "significantly impinge on functioning and daily life" bit) should have access to the relevant professional assessment services. But that doesn't mean that anyone and everyone can or should just publicly label themselves as autistic in the meantime.

And finally, as we're learning from the evolution of the neurodiversity movement, autism is still very much to be seen as a disability (see here). So another possible implication of the "every one of us hovers somewhere along the autistic spectrum" sentiment is that we are all somehow 'disabled' by our hovering along the autism spectrum. This is frankly a ridiculous suggestion and, continuing the theme of how dangerous such a sentiment is, could have some really serious consequences for the provision of resources and services for those who are genuinely disabled by facets of their autism. Words matter.

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