Quibbling over whether autism is a condition or disease won’t improve lives

Fiona O’Leary (Letters, August 19) expresses frustration with UCC referring to autism as a disease rather than a condition. This is just playing with words, in my opinion.

I’m old enough to remember when we were allowed to say that a person was handicapped or crippled. These descriptions are no longer fashionable and are now even considered insulting.

I can also recall a mother who was misled by changes in terminology - she proudly stated a doctor had told her that her child wasn’t brain damaged; he just had severe learning difficulties.

Let’s get away from worrying about terminology and concentrate on the treatment, management and improvement of the lives of the people who need our help.

Sean O’Sullivan,

Crossabeg,

Co. Wexford.