Is Asperger syndrome/high-functioning autism necessarily a disability?

Journal/Book: Dev Psychopathol. 2000; 12: 40 West 20Th Street, New York, NY 10011-4211, USA. Cambridge Univ Press. 489-500.

Abstract: This article considers whether Asperger syndrome (AS) or high-functioning autism (HFA) necessarily leads to disability or whether AS/HFA simply leads to ''difference.'' It concludes that the term ''difference'' in relation to AS/HFA is a more neutral, value-free, and fairer description than terms such as ''impairment,'' ''deficiency,'' or ''disability''; that the term ''disability'' only applies to the lower functioning cases of autism; but that the term ''disability'' may need toe retained for AS/HFA as long as the legal framework provides financial and other support only for individuals with a disability. Two models are summarized which attempt to define in what way individuals with AS/HFA are ''different'': the central coherence model, and the folk psychology-folk physics model. The challenge for research is to test the value of such models and to precisely characterize the differences in cognitive style.

Note: Article Baron-Cohen S, Univ Cambridge, Dept Expt Psychol, Downing St, Cambridge CB2 3EB, ENGLAND

Keyword(s): HARMFUL DYSFUNCTION; INDIVIDUAL-DIFFERENCES; MENTAL DISORDER; NORMAL-CHILDREN; MIND; ADULTS; DEFICITS; BELIEFS; PHENOTYPE; FEELINGS

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