IN BRIEF
When talking about autism or autistic individuals, some words are respectful while others can be harmful. For example, terms like "retarded" or "abnormal" damage the self-esteem of autistic individuals and fail to describe autism accurately. It is crucial that the word "autistic" is never used as an insult. Being autistic is not about doing something wrong; it’s simply a different way of functioning. Autism is not an illness.
The Importance of Respectful and Accurate Terminology
The words used to describe autism directly impact how society perceives this difference. They also influence how autistic individuals see themselves. Inappropriate vocabulary can lead to serious consequences, such as unnecessary, costly, and sometimes dangerous treatments, as well as discrimination, abuse, and mistreatment.
How do you talk about autism?
Autism is a condition, a variation, or a neurodevelopmental difference. It is neither a disorder nor a deficiency.
Neurodiversity
The concept of neurodiversity reflects the variety of neurological functioning, similar to any other form of diversity.
Levels of Autism
You are either autistic or you are not. It is incorrect to say that someone is “a little autistic” or “severely autistic.” The levels (1, 2, and 3) describe the amount of support needed, not a degree of autism.
Autism Is Not a Disease
Confusing autism with a disease spreads misinformation. Some exploit this confusion to sell “miracle cures,” endangering families and autistic individuals.
Insult or Negative Connotation
Describing someone’s inappropriate behavior as autistic is unacceptable. This word should never be used as an insult or a derogatory descriptor.
Tragedy
Describing autism as a tragedy or a social plague is stigmatizing and does not reflect the reality of autistic people’s lives.
Asperger
The term Asperger is no longer used as it created a hierarchy within the autism community, suggesting there are “good autistics” and “bad autistics.” The diagnosis is now simply autism, with markers describing specific challenges the autistic individual faces.
How to Talk About the Person?
Saying someone is autistic or is an autistic person are appropriate ways to refer to them.
ASD (Autism Spectrum Disorder)
The acronym ASD stands for Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is the medical term but should not be used to describe an autistic person. A human cannot “be” a disorder.
Autism as Part of the Person
A person cannot “suffer from autism” or “be affected by autism”; they are autistic. Autism is not an accessory but an integral part of the person.
Table of Terms
Words to use
Words to Use When Talking About Autism, Autistic Individuals, and Traits
- Autism
- Autistic
- Autistic people
- Condition
- Neurological variantion
- Neurodevelopmental variation
- Difference
- Neurodiversity
- Atypical
Talking about autistic traits
- Condition
- Difference
- Characteristic
- Specificity
- Particularity
- Atypicality
- Gesture
- Ritual
- Unusual
- Non-conventional
- Cognitive style
- Autistic way of functioning
- Variation
- Special, specific, or particular interest
- Diversity
Words to avoid
Words to avoid when talking about autism, the autistic person and traits
- Retarded
- Disease
- Illness
- Abnormality
- Disorder
- Pervasive developmental disorder
- With autism
- Carrier of autism
- Affected by autism
- Deficiency
- Pathology
- ASD
- Affliction
- Tragedy
- Societal burden
Talking about autistic traits
- Incapable
- Anomaly
- Tics
- Mania
- Obsession
- Lesion
- Resistance to methods
- Restricted interest
- Abnormal
Note
Choosing the right terminology is not a law but reflects the majority opinion of autistic individuals and their allies. However, some autistic individuals may prefer using specific terms, like ASD, for discretion. It is always best to respect the terms chosen by each person when they speak about themselves. This guide provides a reliable foundation for communicating with respect.