Christianity On The Spectrum Why did we merge the autism spectrum and why do some people want to split it?
Jan 11, 2026
Dive into the compelling discussion about the autism spectrum and the implications of merging various diagnoses. Explore the historical context, including key figures and contentious legacies, such as Hans Asperger's ties to Nazism. Discover how online communities have transformed autistic identity and self-advocacy, along with the impact of DSM-5 changes that aimed to reduce confusion but may have sidelined certain groups. The conversation also reveals the ongoing challenges within advocacy and the debate over the future of autism classifications.
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Connor, Refrigerator Mothers, And Misread Parents
- Jon recounts early autism history: Conner syndrome described severe autism and led to the 'refrigerator mother' theory.
- He suggests Connor likely misread undiagnosed autistic mothers as emotionally cold, not causative.
Sinclair's 'Don't Mourn For Us' Moment
- Jon recalls the 1993 'Don't Mourn For Us' speech by Jim Sinclair at an ANI conference.
- The speech reframed parental grief and triggered tensions between self-advocates and parents of profoundly autistic children.
ASAN Drove The DSM-5 Merge
- ASAN and self-advocacy played a major role in merging Asperger's/PDD-NOS into ASD in DSM-5.
- The merge aimed to reduce gatekeeping and expand access to diagnosis and supports.
