Autism is something many people talk about. The way we speak about it can make a big difference in how we see and feel about it. There are two main ways that people have talked about autistic individuals. One way is by saying "autistic person" and the other is by saying “person with autism”. How we say it can change the way we think about the autistic neurotype. Exploring various ways of speaking and the significance of choosing the right words is crucial.
How We Talk About Autism
Words are powerful. They can paint pictures in our minds and change the way we feel. Over time, the words and phrases we use to talk about the autistic neurotype have changed to be more positive and kind.
Most individuals within the Autistic Community like saying "autistic person". To us, being autistic is as integral to our identity as someone stating they're Australian or tall. This perspective underscores that being autistic isn't a flaw or something to remedy, but an essential element of our identity.
On the other hand, some people say “person with autism”. This way of speaking initially came from a good place. The idea was to always see the person before any ‘health’ or medical detail. But when we talk about the autistic neurotype, it sometimes sounds like we’re saying it is an ‘extra thing’ or a problem, which can be confusing.
Many have shifted away from using terms like "ASD" or "condition" because they can imply a need for correction or repair. Instead, we use "autistic neurotype” (neurotype means “brain type”), which offers a more positive and accurate depiction of how we, as autistic individuals, process our world.
Thoughts from the Autistic Community
The words we use to talk about our autistic neurotype are important to us. It matter to real people with real feelings. Here are some stories from people in our community.
Sophia, a teacher, says, “When people call me a ‘person with autism’, it feels like they’re keeping my autism away from me. I like being called an 'autistic person' because it feels right for me."
Online, many people with autism share their thoughts. Anna once wrote on Twitter: “When people call me 'ASD' or a 'condition', it feels like they’re putting me in a box."
Liam, a student, says, “I love the phrase 'the autistic way of thinking'. It sounds positive and makes me feel included."
But everyone's different. Jamie, a writer, says, “Sometimes I say 'autistic person' and sometimes 'person with autism'. I like having choices."
These stories show that everyone feels differently. Words matter to people, and the best words can be different for each person.
We've delved into the many ways to talk about the autistic neurotype. Remember, words are powerful – they influence how we see the world and how we see ourselves.
The label "autistic person" is universally accepted and appreciated amongst us. It succinctly captures our lived experience and identity. However, always consider checking with individuals, as personal preferences may vary.
The key is to listen and honour how we, as autistic individuals, choose to speak about ourselves. Everyone in our community deserves a voice in this dialogue. By truly hearing and comprehending our choices, we pave the way for a world where all of us feel cherished and recognised.
Interested in a more detailed exploration of this topic? Check out our deep dive here.
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Please note, the language used in the search terms above may not be neuroaffirming, but they may be search terms that people use. By listing these here, the hope is that people may end up accessing this article and learning about the autistic neurotype through a neurodiversity-affirming lens, rather than the impairment-based information that is so plentifully available.