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

S Baron-Cohen1

  • 1Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Cambridge, UK.

Development and Psychopathology
|October 3, 2000
PubMed
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Asperger syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA) represent differences, not necessarily disabilities. While "difference" is a more neutral term, "disability" may remain necessary for legal and support frameworks for AS/HFA individuals.

Area of Science:

  • Neurodevelopmental disorders
  • Cognitive psychology
  • Disability studies

Background:

  • Asperger syndrome (AS) and high-functioning autism (HFA) are often discussed in terms of disability.
  • The terminology used can impact perception and support systems.
  • Existing models attempt to explain cognitive differences in AS/HFA.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate whether AS/HFA inherently leads to disability or represents a "difference."
  • To analyze the appropriateness of terms like "impairment," "deficiency," and "disability" for AS/HFA.
  • To explore cognitive models that describe AS/HFA differences.

Main Methods:

  • Conceptual analysis of terminology.
  • Review of existing cognitive models (Central Coherence, Folk Psychology-Folk Physics).

Related Experiment Videos

  • Discussion of the implications of legal and support frameworks.

    • Main Results:

    • The term "difference" is proposed as a more neutral and accurate descriptor for AS/HFA than "disability."
    • "Disability" may be more applicable to lower-functioning autism spectrum conditions.
    • The term "disability" may need to be retained for AS/HFA due to current legal and financial support structures.

    Conclusions:

    • AS/HFA should be primarily understood as a "difference" with distinct cognitive styles.
    • Further research is needed to validate and refine models characterizing these cognitive differences.
    • The retention of the term "disability" for AS/HFA is a pragmatic consideration for accessing support.