'Brain condition'

[Barbara]

I was curious on the use of the term 'brain condition' and the absence of the word autism / autistic or even ASD in the book. As a parent of an ASD diagnosed child, the descriptions of Perry leave me in no doubt that he is autistic. I totally respect and 'get' the choice not to label but I find the term 'brain condition' interesting and slightly uncomfortable.

[Darren]

Barbara wrote: "I was curious on the use of the term 'brain condition' and the absence of the word autism / autistic or even ASD in the book. As a parent of an ASD diagnosed child, the descriptions of Perry leave..."

Thanks for kicking off this discussion, Barbara. There's a couple of points I would make in response. Firstly, I felt 'brain condition' made sense as a term Justine would use primarily in addressing complete strangers, people she assumed didn't have the same knowledge, understanding or education she possessed about individuals like her twin brother. She was taking something of a lowest common denominator approach to these often unwelcome interactions.

The reason I declined reference to ASD/autism in the novel was twofold: one, I hoped leaving it open-ended would keep the focus on the story and prevent it being labelled, like my previous novel 'Kindling', an 'autism novel' (how's that for irony!); two, I wanted the reader to see Perry through a lens of humanity, not just disability/neurology.

As a point of interest, Barbara, what sort of alternative description of Perry do you think might've been suitable for use by Justine and Dan?

[Barbara]

ohhh, good volley. I might need to ponder that a bit but off the top of my head I think a reference to autism is more comfortable to me. Its not a label I throw around lightly. It took us over 10 years to seek a diagnosis ( and only then because we needed it for adjustment at high school ) and I've spent the last 18 months pondering the language of Differences. I'm very interested in observing the 'is / has' position taken by the Down Syndrome community (definitely 'has downs' not is ), the Gay community ( definite 'is' gay) and also the ASD community where it's more decived.

[Barbara]

There is an awesome Tony Attwood article I read where he explores the impact of focusing on the talents and exceptional aspects of Asperger diagnosed people rather than their challenges. He draws the correlation between a person with strong creative artistic talents - we would say they are artistic or creative, because these are perceived as good things. it's safe to see it as part of the person. -' she is artistic'.
so if we are completely accepting of the range of talents and exceptions of an ' aspie' or autistic person it might be ok to use 'is aspie' /is 'autistic'. BUT there isn't wide spread understanding let alone acceptance of what this means so I totally get a caution around the language. and a need to separate the 'condition' / handicap/ disability from the person.

[Darren]

I wonder what Tony Attwood would think of AYSM? :)