Read on Twitter
Autistic people often use different words to describe #autism from professionals etc. Partly we use this turn of phrase because they are less stigmatising and user friendly. Partly because we view being autistic from the inside out. Some examples below:
Autistic not 'has autism'
Autistic person vs 'person with autism'
We recognise that being autistic affects our whole lives and the way we experience the world. Take it away (if you could) and we wouldn't be the same person.
We find being reminded we're a person is dehumanising.
Autistic person vs 'person with autism'
We recognise that being autistic affects our whole lives and the way we experience the world. Take it away (if you could) and we wouldn't be the same person.
We find being reminded we're a person is dehumanising.
Autistic
Autistic Spectrum Difference
Autistic spectrum condition
On the autism spectrum
Autism spectrum disorder ASD
In descending order of my own personal preferences. Being labelled disordered is stigmatising. Autistic isn't once we gain #AutisticAcceptance
Autistic Spectrum Difference
Autistic spectrum condition
On the autism spectrum
Autism spectrum disorder ASD
In descending order of my own personal preferences. Being labelled disordered is stigmatising. Autistic isn't once we gain #AutisticAcceptance
Disabled and disability vs 'differently abled' , 'diffability' or another variation.
Just say the word "disability". If autism is a disability whether due to society, our own condition or we are disabled in other ways.
Just say the word "disability". If autism is a disability whether due to society, our own condition or we are disabled in other ways.
Difference not disordered, deficit etc
Difference is far less stigmatising. Autistics communicate with each other much better than with non-autistics because it's a distinct communication style. Sometimes differences are strengths.
Difference is far less stigmatising. Autistics communicate with each other much better than with non-autistics because it's a distinct communication style. Sometimes differences are strengths.
Allistic just means non-autistic.
Nurotypical (NT)is someone is not neurodivergent (dyslexic, ADHD, OCD and so on)
Neurodiverse applies to groups not individuals.
Nurotypical (NT)is someone is not neurodivergent (dyslexic, ADHD, OCD and so on)
Neurodiverse applies to groups not individuals.
Stimming rather than repetitive or stereotypical behaviours.
Cumbersome terms used in diagnostic manuals don't reflect how beneficial certain movements or textures are to our well being. Many are harmless so don't be embarrassed by them.
Takes less characters!
Cumbersome terms used in diagnostic manuals don't reflect how beneficial certain movements or textures are to our well being. Many are harmless so don't be embarrassed by them.
Takes less characters!
Distressed rather than 'challenging behaviours'
We think about the cause of why we are doing something (I.e how challenging the environment or other people are being towards us). Take those challenges away, the situation is calmer.
If behaviour is communication what did we say?
We think about the cause of why we are doing something (I.e how challenging the environment or other people are being towards us). Take those challenges away, the situation is calmer.
If behaviour is communication what did we say?
Non speaking rather than non- verbal.
The Deaf community talk about being "audist" an abelism that insist on the use of spoken language as a goal. There are other ways to communicate, sign, text, AAC, behaviour. Not being able to speak is not the same as having nothing to say.
The Deaf community talk about being "audist" an abelism that insist on the use of spoken language as a goal. There are other ways to communicate, sign, text, AAC, behaviour. Not being able to speak is not the same as having nothing to say.
Masking vs Camouflaging.
#AskingAutistics came up with our term long before researchers started talking about camouflaging. This is how we hide internal struggles and try to fit in; hiding the fact that we autistic. See #TakeTheMaskOff a campaign by autistics a while ago.
#AskingAutistics came up with our term long before researchers started talking about camouflaging. This is how we hide internal struggles and try to fit in; hiding the fact that we autistic. See #TakeTheMaskOff a campaign by autistics a while ago.
Just Autistic or support needs or Co-concurring conditions instead of using functioning labels, mild- severe autism etc.
LF / severe denies agency, HF/ mild denies real struggles and needs/ access to suport (see masking above). It's much clearer to talk about other dx/ needs.
LF / severe denies agency, HF/ mild denies real struggles and needs/ access to suport (see masking above). It's much clearer to talk about other dx/ needs.
Access Needs aren't Special Needs
We all have the same needs to live and human rights. Making things accessible shouldn't be considered special. We've had ADA and Equalities Acts for long enough now!
We all have the same needs to live and human rights. Making things accessible shouldn't be considered special. We've had ADA and Equalities Acts for long enough now!
Representation vs Rainman etc. Or having 1 autistic person in a consultation (tokenism)
Autistic people have had poor Representation in media and in autism organisations. Please let us speak for ourselves and tell our own stories even if they are uncomfortable to you.
Autistic people have had poor Representation in media and in autism organisations. Please let us speak for ourselves and tell our own stories even if they are uncomfortable to you.
