I have a problem with spectrum disorders. It’s not that they are a bad thing but I have a problem with the fact that, for many, the moment we start herding conditions under one name, then all too often, people stop seeing all the individual aspects of a spectrum condition and only see the umbrella term.
That’s not to say the concept of spectrum condition belongs in the bin. It’s just that, for many, a recap lesson on what makes a spectrum condition, a spectrum condition is not only recommended but is crucial to stop the devaluing of what is a great idea in concept but not so great in execution.
What is a Spectrum Condition?
Simply put, a spectrum condition consists of two opposing factors which, though confusing and almost paradoxical at first, are actually easy to understand when boiled down to their core:
- a group of conditions which ‘are the same’
- a group of conditions which ‘aren’t the same’
Starting with ‘conditions which aren’t the same’, this can be seen as a fairly accurate summary of how a spectrum condition can consist of separate disorders which share many of the same symptoms, traits and potential causes.
The most common (and relevant) example of this kind of spectrum condition is the autistic spectrum as, amongst the many varying conditions it encapsulates, it includes both autism and Asperger’s – two conditions which are similar but can differ in language development, IQ etc.
Regarding ‘conditions which are the same’, there are some spectrum conditions which are, in essence, a single condition but, as there are so many different ways the condition can act, they have been retroactively split, so it is easier for doctors to get their patients’ need met.
An example of this kind of spectrum condition would be Bipolar disorder; where it can often take many sessions and referrals to get a full understanding of how the patient is being affected.
It should also be noted that a spectrum condition can be divided by severity. However, although this may be 100% medically accurate, many people with spectrum conditions object to being diagnosed this way, as severity is measured by how far away that person is from what is considered, ‘normal’ (whatever that means). This is especially the case with the autistic community who often fight and advocate against differentiation of type, such as functioning labels.
Further examples of spectrum conditions include:
- Anxiety
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Tourette Syndrome
- Eating Disorder
- Schizophrenia
The Pros and Cons of a Spectrum Condition
Although the decision to categorise conditions into spectrums is a fairly recent move, it is one which has already received its fair share of praise and contempt.
On the pro side, many celebrate the idea of a spectrum of conditions as it encourages others to keep an open mind and not pigeonhole those diagnosed. Whilst those with a glass half empty, dislike spectrum groupings, as they believe they can be confusing for people who may view all conditions in a spectrum as the same.
Personally, I believe both parties are correct in the spectrum debate. Not because I want to sit on the fence and not offend anyone but because the two points are simply different sides of the same coin.
Apart from helping people to get a more precise diagnosis and subsequently the right support (an undeniably beneficial factor of spectrum conditions), all the conversation which revolves around whether spectrums are good or bad simply comes down to how people will react, based on the perceptions they have made of the condition.
This is why it important not to undersell the effect that just learning about spectrums in the first place can have. People are always going to generalise, based on their experiences. However, encouraging people to look for the difference after this assumption is made is where the knowledge of spectrum can help people see an individual and not just a label.
Carry on the Conversation
Today’s topic stems from someone asking me ‘what is the one thing I would like everyone to know about autism?’. So, in this week’s Carry on the Conversation, I want to ask the same question. Let me know your answers in the comments below and share your thoughts regarding spectrum conditions
As always, I can also be found on Twitter @AutismRevised and via my email: AutisticandUnapologetic@gmail.com.
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Thank you for reading and I will see you next Saturday for more thoughts from across the spectrum
