Historically, autism diagnostic criteria have reflected outdated and prejudiced perspectives that center white boys as the model of diagnosis. This bias has led to misdiagnoses for folks who are not white, male and three years old.
Here are eight evidence-based additions to the upcoming DSM-6, promising a more nuanced and accurate understanding of autism:
8. Your Hamilton phase was more intense than everyone else’s.
“Just like my country, I’m young, scrappy and hungry” was your vocal stim for months.
7. You’ve been called a Manic Pixie Dream Girl.
That’s not the compliment you think it is, Chad.
6. You have an aversion to jeans.
Who are they for, really? Masochists?
5. You’ve scripted your responses to this assessment.
And you try to look contemplative when they ask the question you’ve already researched and prepared for.
4. You’ve been diagnosed with seven other disorders (OCD, SAD, bipolar, panic disorder, etc.).
And that’s because …
3. Previous doctors said you don’t “look autistic.”
Substantiated by [insert stereotype] or [insert accomplishment].
2. You assume people mean what they say.
Apparently this is atypical?
1. Your dad is autistic but denies it.
Don’t worry, Dad, your 45-minute infodumps about the history of golf are totally normal.