LETTER: 'Don't squish me into cookie-cutter definition' of autism

SooToday received this letter criticizing the desire to label people with autism.

As an adult with autism, I have to say that it is time for this vernacular of low - moderate - severe autism to end. It is a spectrum. When you delegate what you feel is low or high functioning, it cheapens the human experience.

I was diagnosed later in life and maintaining relationships continues to be a struggle, keeping jobs, etc. If I was diagnosed as a child, and put into the "appropriate category"and it was incorrect, then the services and treatment can either be too accommodating, leading to a dependence and lack of motivation to be independent, or too lax, leading to an increased sense of low self esteem and a constant sense of unrest and irritability.

I don't know if I am high functioning, low functioning, or whatever people tell me I am. I know that I was a wedding DJ for 25 years, got my MCSE certifications in my 40s, and now work in the funeral industry in my 50s.

I have strengths and weaknesses, like everyone else. They may seem magnified or diminished due to my perceptions of myself and the world around me, but don't squish me into your cookie-cutter definition like you are the industry standard.

"Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better." - Maya Angelou.

And we do know better, Ms. Angelou. We do.

Sincerely,

Chris Raginskis
Etobicoke