JERKS, NOT AUTISTIC
Stop using Asperger's as an excuse
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHAT IS THIS WEBSITE?
It's a list of people who publicly used autistic spectrum disorder, or Asperger's syndrome, as an excuse to be a jerk.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT?
People on the autistic spectrum often have troubles conforming to social norms. They can inadvertently behave like jerks, and hurt people around them without realising it. However with proper support, both professional and social, autistic people can minimise the "jerk like behaviour".
But some people — maybe legitimately diagnosed with autistic spectrum disorder — are using autism as an excuse to be a total jerk. "Oh, I have Asperger's, that's why I say stupid and dangerous things that hurt you, I cannot help it!". Yes you can. You just chose not to, Elon.
There is enough stigma, and enough troubles for people on the spectrum in the neurotypical world already. We don't need celebrities of any calibre to promote the idea that all austistic folks are jerks.
HOW CAN I ADD A NAME TO THE LIST?
To go the Submit a name section, and we'll take it from there.
AUTISTIC OR ASPERGER'S — WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?
DSM-5, current standard for mental health diagnosis, has only the term autistic spectrum disorder. We prefer this term, and use it as much as we can.
However in DSM-4 (standard until 2013) there were two separate diagnoses: autistic spectrum disorder (for more "severe" cases) and Asperger's syndrome ("light version"). If someone was diagnosed pre-2013, they might have Asperger's as their official diagnosis.
In popular culture, Asperger's often describes quirky weird people who have troubles with socialising. But let's not go down this rabbit hole just yet.