www.nytimes.com/2009/11/03/health/03asperger.html?_r=1&scp=1&sq=aspergers&st=cse

A Powerful Identity, A Vanishing Diagnosis.
By Claudia Wallis
The above article was published on November 3, 2009 by the New York Times.

2012 may or not be the end of the world, but Asperger's Syndrome as we know it may be headed for extinction. According to Wallis, the diagnosis is "headed for psychiatric obsolescence. Though it became an official part of the medical lexicon only in 1994, the experts who are revising psychiatry’s diagnostic manual have proposed to eliminate it from the new edition, due out in 2012."

This news must be troubling and unsettling to anyone who is in the Asperger's community. Though it is currently considered a form of high-functioning Autism, The label "Asperger's Syndrome" carries it's own definition, characteristics and pride. For as many general similarities present there are distinct differences. Yes, labels may be insignificant in that it doesn't change who a person is, but it does matter. The diagnosis is one of the important building blocks that lead to a better understanding of the individual. First there is Autistic Spectrum Disorder, then Asperger's Syndrome, then more precise issues. For example, a child may be diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Sensory Processing Disorder or Pragmatic Language Disorder. On top of that there are the very unique characteristics and quirks that are specific to every person. Like the quote mentioned by John Elder Robison, "When you've met one Aspergian, you've met one Aspergian." Everyone is unique, but I truly hope they let the community hold on to that thread that binds them all together because it does matter. Here's an example:

Just imagine, the President passes a bill to eliminate Georgia from the United States. Georgia will be there geographically, but the name will be eradicated. He says, "it's so close to Florida - mine as well just consolidate and call it Florida too. Hey, that's one less state flag that has to be made. I know you guys got peaches and they have oranges, but it's all fruit. It's pretty much the same thing right?"

No, it's definitely not the same thing.