A-Spec

A-spec or A-spectrum an umbrella term, describing all identities that fall on the asexual spectrum and aromantic spectrum. The term allows people to talk about those on the ace-spectrum and the aro-spectrum at the same time, as the two groups share many common experiences. It is also a useful term for those who are both ace-spec and aro-spec.

According to some individuals using the word a-spec to mean ace/aro-spec is appropriating from autistic individuals, who used the term to mean 'autistic-spectrum'. However there is no evidence that this term ever used. The most common way people tag post about autism is with 'asd' standing for 'autism spectrum disorder' or with the actuallyautistic tag. The word a-spec is currently widely excepted as meaning ace/aro-spec.

Flag
The a-spec flag was created by Tumblr user The-Moon-Is-Aroace on March 25, 2019. The compass rose in the middle is a symbol of how people all experience attraction in different ways. The green and purple are on opposite sides of the quadrant to show that asexuality and aromanticism are their own separate and independent identities, with the black and grey quadrants connecting them. Black represents the aroace community and grey represents grey aspec communities.