Furs With Autism

[TheEndIsNearUs]

I'm curious if there's any besides me here. Feel free to introduce yourselves or talk about whatever, but don't go around insulting people or making "autistic furry" jokes, because that just makes you look like a prick.

To sum things up for myself, I am "high-functioning" to some, but I don't really like the term. I don't have an official diagnosis, but I'm not self diagnosed either, 'cause pretty much every professional I've ever seen since I was a toddler is like "yeah he's autistic," but we've never had the money for testing, and the school refuses to give it to me for free because I make really good grades so obvs I'm "fine."

My special interests of sorts are:

• Cats
• Genetics
• Phonetics
• Colours
• Drawing
• Dragons

Those are the main ones, at least. When I get really into something though [like Flight Rising or Sonic the Hedgehog or UTAU or Homestuck] I tend to learn everything I can possibly ever learn about it, but I'm not sure if those really count.

And I freaking love patterns god dang. Especially number patterns. And colour patterns. They're the best.

[anoni]

I have aspies, but I don't know if I really meet the criteria anymore. When I was little I was determined to have aspergers, but today I would fail most tests, I guess you just learn to behave more realistically xD

Though, I'm doing a degree in Physics and Computer Science, and basically 75% of that entire crew has some form of autism xD

[TheEndIsNearUs]

Though, I'm doing a degree in Physics and Computer Science, and basically 75% of that entire crew has some form of autism xD

That's kind of freaky because I am literally planning on majoring in Computer Science in college this fall. Guess I'll fit right in if my school's like your's.

[Timmy Fox]

I too has dem assburgers
Alongside ADHD!

*Runs around in circles, chasing my own tail*

[Azeliah]

For clarification: According to this extremely big manual on psychiatric disorders and their diagnostic criteria (DSM-5, go Google), autistic disorders are just referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), rather than Aspergers Syndrome, Infantile Autism, HFA, Autism NOS, etc.. It's only a matter of time before the International Classification of Diseases is corrected to reflect this.

My initial diagnosis was given 19-20 years ago, Aspergers Syndrome, it got confirmed through psychiatric evaluation 16 years ago. A few months back I finally had to see a new psychiatrist where my diagnosis was corrected to ASD with a moderate addition of ADD (Attention-Deficit Disorder). The psychiatrist did say that he would've called me an aspie without blinking, though.

There are plenty of autistic furs - just look at the support groups on FurAffinity. Most of them I've had good experiences with, but there are some that I refuse talking to again.

As for special interests, then I do believe that most of mine don't belong in this particular context.

[DragonMKV]

I'm a high-functioning Autistic furry as well, but it mostly manifests itself though my inability to converse well with others irl. Which made me have a shitload of anxiety when talking to people, which led to me lurking on most every forum/chat that I'm ever on 




I mostly keep to myself because of my extremely weird way of solving problems, yet I'm able to solve them faster than most people because of it!

[anoni]

For clarification: According to this extremely big manual on psychiatric disorders and their diagnostic criteria (DSM-5, go Google), autistic disorders are just referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), rather than Aspergers Syndrome, Infantile Autism, HFA, Autism NOS, etc.. It's only a matter of time before the International Classification of Diseases is corrected to reflect this.

I am aware of the introduction of the DSM-V but used the terminology simply for clarification sake, I also don't really agree with the move for the DSM-V, mainly because it makes classification too broad, meaning that it may be difficult to properly classify or diagnose people who have considered mental disorders. There's a lot of other problems I have with the DSM-V, like overuse of medication as treatment and some bizarre changes to other mental disorders, but I guess all you can do is wait until DSM-VI

[Azeliah]

For clarification: According to this extremely big manual on psychiatric disorders and their diagnostic criteria (DSM-5, go Google), autistic disorders are just referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), rather than Aspergers Syndrome, Infantile Autism, HFA, Autism NOS, etc.. It's only a matter of time before the International Classification of Diseases is corrected to reflect this.

I am aware of the introduction of the DSM-V but used the terminology simply for clarification sake, I also don't really agree with the move for the DSM-V, mainly because it makes classification too broad, meaning that it may be difficult to properly classify or diagnose people who have considered mental disorders. There's a lot of other problems I have with the DSM-V, like overuse of medication as treatment and some bizarre changes to other mental disorders, but I guess all you can do is wait until DSM-VI

I know this and I fully agree, I don't see why you would refer to all types of autism as ASD. Though there have been a lot of parameters added to describe the diagnosis closer, which would help a lot for a psychiatric diagnostic unit. It's not unheard of that HFAs can easily appear more like aspies and vice versa. I think changing the diagnosis to ASD as a whole would sort out much confusion, too, if the diagnostician takes time to note the strengths and difficulties of the subject, but it really doesn't seem all that likely.

[Timmy Fox]

For clarification: According to this extremely big manual on psychiatric disorders and their diagnostic criteria (DSM-5, go Google), autistic disorders are just referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), rather than Aspergers Syndrome, Infantile Autism, HFA, Autism NOS, etc.. It's only a matter of time before the International Classification of Diseases is corrected to reflect this.

I am aware of the introduction of the DSM-V but used the terminology simply for clarification sake, I also don't really agree with the move for the DSM-V, mainly because it makes classification too broad, meaning that it may be difficult to properly classify or diagnose people who have considered mental disorders. There's a lot of other problems I have with the DSM-V, like overuse of medication as treatment and some bizarre changes to other mental disorders, but I guess all you can do is wait until DSM-VI

I know this and I fully agree, I don't see why you would refer to all types of autism as ASD. Though there have been a lot of parameters added to describe the diagnosis closer, which would help a lot for a psychiatric diagnostic unit. It's not unheard of that HFAs can easily appear more like aspies and vice versa. I think changing the diagnosis to ASD as a whole would sort out much confusion, too, if the diagnostician takes time to note the strengths and difficulties of the subject, but it really doesn't seem all that likely.

I was informed of these changes not too long ago during a seminar at my local hospital but was also told that us with an existing diagnosis shouldn't need to worry or care too much as my country (Sweden) has not yet adopted these changes made in DSM-V due to a few reasons. Quite understandably there's a lot of paperwork and changes that needs to be done by the Swedish Medical Institute etc. One example that was mentioned was that Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, doesn't really translate nicely to Swedish (Autism Spektrum Syndrom, ASS).

I believe an existing diagnose will still remain and function the same way, so the only practical change is the label printed on the paper.

That said, I too agree with Anoni that it can be confusing when everything is referred with the same name. I do like the way they've categorized it more closely to show more clearly that these are fairly closely related, but I'd prefer to see a more type-based solution; Instead of "Aspegers Syndrome" or just "ASD" they could call it "Austism type HF-A" or something like that.

[Azeliah]

For clarification: According to this extremely big manual on psychiatric disorders and their diagnostic criteria (DSM-5, go Google), autistic disorders are just referred to as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), rather than Aspergers Syndrome, Infantile Autism, HFA, Autism NOS, etc.. It's only a matter of time before the International Classification of Diseases is corrected to reflect this.

I am aware of the introduction of the DSM-V but used the terminology simply for clarification sake, I also don't really agree with the move for the DSM-V, mainly because it makes classification too broad, meaning that it may be difficult to properly classify or diagnose people who have considered mental disorders. There's a lot of other problems I have with the DSM-V, like overuse of medication as treatment and some bizarre changes to other mental disorders, but I guess all you can do is wait until DSM-VI

I know this and I fully agree, I don't see why you would refer to all types of autism as ASD. Though there have been a lot of parameters added to describe the diagnosis closer, which would help a lot for a psychiatric diagnostic unit. It's not unheard of that HFAs can easily appear more like aspies and vice versa. I think changing the diagnosis to ASD as a whole would sort out much confusion, too, if the diagnostician takes time to note the strengths and difficulties of the subject, but it really doesn't seem all that likely.

That said, I too agree with Anoni that it can be confusing when everything is referred with the same name. I do like the way they've categorized it more closely to show more clearly that these are fairly closely related, but I'd prefer to see a more type-based solution; Instead of "Aspegers Syndrome" or just "ASD" they could call it "Austism type HF-A" or something like that.

I agree that some specifics in the diagnosis name to slightly categorize the various types of autism would be best. I actually acquired the DSM-V a few months back to read through the "new" diagnostic criteria, so that I knew what to expect when my diagnosis was reconsidered by a psychiatrist in October. All in all, it summarizes the various diagnoses fairly well, but it seems that the paperwork for summarizing the diagnosis seems very broad, if the DSM-V is followed to a T. The result of such a thorough summary would undoubtedly be better than just saying "Aspergers Syndrome" or something.

As for bad translations (and subsequent) of diagnoses, then it's a matter of formality. In Danish ASD would translate to "Autismespektrumforstyrrelse" and subsequently get the acronym "ASF". There will always be a country that ends up with a bad or amusing translation, I suppose. You can't really prevent something like that from happening, I mean, IKEA released a type of box called "Knep Kasse" in Denmark. Translating "Knep Kasse" to English it would be "F**k Box". Very amusing for Danes, not so much for Swedes, I presume.

[CounterfeitQueen]

Yup, I have it! Glad this seems to be keeping civil.

My special interests are animals in general with a focus on proper domestic animal husbandry. Which causes a lot of anxiety because absolutely ludicrous amount of terrible animal keeping techniques.

My psych says I'm oddly social though. I really enjoy parties but I wouldn't be surprised if other people thought I was awkward.

[DenisonCamo]

Yep I have high functioning autism, but I don't let it affect my every day life.

[TheEndIsNearUs]

but I don't let it affect my every day life.

That is the key; going about your daily life without letting stuff hold you back

[Ventus Fall]

Just want to add a notification in here, not to upset anyone


I thought also that it was not a good idea to change all various Autism 'disorders' into one general, broad one: ASD/ASS (Not only in Sweden, but also in the Netherlands ASS is used ).
However, there is also a point I would like to mention on the opposite side.

You have also a ton of people who have PDD-NOS. Sure, many know about Classical and Asperger's, or at least in general. but when it comes to PDD-NOS, people either see it as a light form of Autism, or a for of 'low-functioning' Autism.
Many of you might probably know that PDD-NOS does not at all mean those. It means literally: "Pervasive Developmental Disorder Not Otherwise Specified".
the key here is: Not Otherwise Specified.

I won't go around here, saying I know all about this or anything, but what I'm trying to say here is this:
Many people with in particular that diagnosis have been treated as neither 'non-normal' (as maybe most of you have), to which being not normal is necessarily bad, but I hope you know what I mean, otherwise I'll clarify later. Or they are treated as 'not really Autistic'.
The point is: It is 'Not Otherwise Specified'. PDD-NOS, as both you and I might have often heard is what is called a 'bin for anything Autistic that does not categorise under either Classical/Aspergers/any other form of Autism known'.
This can mean anyone can have light to severe cases of Autism in various forms, as with the other forms of Autism, but this is not often recognised, not even under most Autistic people either.

Putting all the various forms of Autism under one 'word' or term: Just plain and simply Autism. Has its bad and good points. I too didn't agree with it at first. Why change it? Especially now, when slowly people are starting more and more to understand Autism and its various aspects. 
However, the change is still slow, drastically so. And, especially with regards to 'unappreciated' forms of it, like PDD-NOS, this might be a very good thing. Of course, we still have to see the effects of the change according to the DSM-V book, but hopefully with this, people with PDD-NOS, and other Autism forms, will all be seen as having Autism, regardless the 'severity'. Hopefully educational systems will start treating PDD-NOS as other Autism student, with that I mean: Giving PDD-NOS equal rights as other Auties/Autistic peolpe/students.
And not only educational systems, but also other facilitations. It happens all too often PDD-NOS do not get the help they need, because they are often regarded as 'non-Autistic' or 'not Autistic enough'.

To summarise: I agree and disagree with the new system by the DSM-V book. There are both negative and positive points to changing how it is. I think we can, at least to each other, still mention whether one would have Asperger's, Classical, or PDD-NOS, but in the end, Autism is Autism. And everyone is different, regardless of how we have been diagnosed. There needs to be more focus on individual differences rather than 'Autism differences', if that makes sense what I mean by that. Changing it all into the general Autism term might help with that. But that should not be the only change. I will look forward to see how this will work out in practise.



I want to note, for clarification as to where I'm getting my information in case there are any questions about where I got my information from. I personally have had many experiences with Autism and I am also currently studying psychology