Why more autism?
 Why not much less?
  
 No one needs to know your private business.
  
                                                 We are old fashioned. Therapy is a word whispered.
                                                 You are just shy. Socially anxious.
                                                 There’s nothing wrong because
                                                 
 everyone is that way, a little bit.
  
                                                                                                 You can learn these things. It’s okay. 

According to PubMed, Asperger’s Syndrome was removed from the DSM-5 in 2013. It is no longer a term used for diagnostics in autistic individuals. It never fit me anyways. “Low support needs” did not feel right to me.

I need help, and lots of it. I always will.

The proper term is “Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Psychology Today defines this as “a developmental disorder that involves impairments in social interaction and communication, challenges with sensory processing, and repetitive behaviors.” The term “spectrum” refers to varying symptoms and their impact, many patients identifying as “high” or “low” support needs. I believe I am somewhere in the middle, based on my own evaluations. There are many variables to my place on the spectrum. The only thing I know is accordance, in lifestyle and regimen.

Each day and night — especially night — is ordered, and I want it as such.

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