I've used this word for as long as I can remember. Aspie. Short for Aspergers. Sometimes it seemed less harsh. To me. But recently I learned from an unlikely source that it's not ok. So I asked Reid. "I hate that word. You wouldn't call someone with Down Syndrome a "Downie" would you?" Oh my gosh. I most certainly would not. I never meant any harm & he never said. But I also never asked. I apologized & he accepted right away. It's still bothering me though. How did this never come up?

Apparently not too many people with Aspergers like that term. I feel foolish for ever saying it. Such an honest mistake but it comes with a heavy price. Did he think I was insulting him every time I said it? Do others feel like I threw the term around as a slang word for a serious, already misunderstood syndrome? I guess what matters now is that I know &  I will stop. Also, I owe Reid & anyone else I offended this: 

 I'm sorry for never asking. Sorry for never considering it being offensive. Sorry for throwing the word around without any reservation. Sorry for hurting your feelings. And I will never use it again. Aside from your forgiveness, I ask that if someone you know is using the word to describe you or another person with Aspergers & you don't like it..please tell them. 

Lesson learned.