When every thing is a disease, the cures become less miraculous
Man’s Asperger’s cured. It’s a miracle. Or, you know, it’s not really a disease. Our tendency to classify things that aren’t diseases as diseases (like this, addiction, and others) often seems a way to justify behavior that we don’t approve of.
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:45 am
Or, in his case at least, mom (“a psychology professor and Asperger specialist“) needed a research subject and her son fit the bill close enough to be useful.
“Guess what, son! You have an incurable psychological condition that’s going to make your entire life miserable and difficult. Let’s go make Mommy famous!”
February 2nd, 2012 at 10:55 am
I think it’s probably a real thing, but over-diagnosed and definitely over-self-diagnosed.
“I can’t help being an a-hole. I got the ass burgers.”
February 2nd, 2012 at 11:31 am
On the Flip Side, I have a Nephew who was diagnosed with Aspergers through several different methods and specialists over the years. My Sister-in-Law worked hard to help her boy learn how to live with the Disease to the point that he’s now an EOD Tech for the U.S. Navy.
And yes, the Navy knew about it before he enlisted, and they didn’t have a problem with it. And it sure hasn’t affect his job. Since Over-Attention to Detail is one of the Traits, it actually helps when dealing with High Explosives.
It’s one of those things where there are Degrees and Ranges. It’s not one of those “Oh, you have a mild form of Lung Cancer, no biggie, it’ll go away” issues.
But there are probably too many people out there who have been Labeled with Aspergers, just like there’s too many people out there diagnosed as ADHD. Screws things up for those who really have it.
February 2nd, 2012 at 2:21 pm
it’s real my son has it, you should keep your uninformed opinions to yourself. stick to the things you know about and make this a worthwhile blog…guns, guns, and guns.
February 2nd, 2012 at 2:22 pm
Saying it’s not a disease is not saying it’s not real.
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:05 pm
Marv,
Not to speak for our host, but for people (like your son) who actually have a genuine organic condition, this should be good news. Broadening the definition of the condition, and over-diagnosing it, just trivializes it. Same deal with ADD, ADHD, and autism.
February 2nd, 2012 at 3:48 pm
http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/9.12/aqtest.html
The average on the test above is about 16. I score 38. I have mild autism (I know my interactions with others or response to situations may not be “normal”) but I am fully functional and not “handicapped” in any way. Just a little “different” at times. Life is what you make of it.
February 2nd, 2012 at 4:45 pm
Its easy to get 16…I was frustrated there was no “ambivolence” option…and that there were so many questions!
I agree with Unc. I don’t think Gambling or Addiction is a disease, but I do readily admit they exist. I am not so sure about this one or ADHD…and frankly I don’t know why it matters if you call it a disease or not, unless you are going for a special status.
I’d think it more accurate to call it a “condition” than disease.
Sex Addiction FFS.
February 3rd, 2012 at 3:41 am
Bubblehead, it seems the majority of posters on Wrongplanet.net who claim military membership are, well, bubbleheads. Heh.
I read there that the .mil has just updated their medical disqualifications for enlistment, and sadly, Aspies are now Not Wanted. Can’t have anybody like Stonewall Jackson, can we now? (I and others think he was a textbook case.)
February 3rd, 2012 at 3:49 am
Oh, on the AQ test? I got 40. I also have the extra-flexy joints and some of the enhanced senses. On the whole, it’s more features than bugs for me, except for the two most annoying bugs; the not-getting-hired bug and the not-getting-laid bug.
February 4th, 2012 at 4:02 am
Our son is a very high-functioning Aspie, and I have no idea why people consider it a disease. I consider it a genetic anomaly that is triggered by one of a number of possible factors. It isn’t something to really ‘treat’. It’s something to learn to manage as much as possible through hard work, therapy, and sometimes medications for some of the symptoms.
February 5th, 2012 at 9:19 pm
Much like chemistry, where the same compound is a drug, a poison, or a medicine, depending on where, when, and how much is being used. I’ve managed to take a mild case of childhood Attention Deficit and made it an asset in my work.