Talking About Autism
The language we use, and why it matters.
When you first learn that you or a loved one is autistic, it is natural to worry about using the wrong words. Language in the autistic community is evolving and reflects a deeper understanding of neurodiversity and self-advocacy.
While there is no single correct way to talk about autism, and individual preferences should always be respected, there is a clear movement toward language that recognises autism as a fundamental part of a person’s identity.
Identity-First vs Person-First Language
Recent surveys indicate that the majority of autistic people in the UK prefer identity-first language, such as "autistic person", over person-first language, such as "person with autism".
The reasoning is simple: autism is not a disease to be separated from the individual. It is an integral part of how a person’s brain is wired and how they experience the world. Using identity-first language validates that autism is not something to be fixed or viewed with shame.
On this website, we use identity-first language. However, we always honour the specific terms an individual chooses for themselves.
Terms to Avoid
Certain terms can narrowly define autistic lives or reinforce outdated stigmas. Moving away from these helps foster a more inclusive understanding:
Functioning Labels: Terms like "high-functioning", "low-functioning", "severe", or "mild" are often misleading. They categorise people based on how they appear to others rather than their actual internal experience. An autistic person’s support needs can also change depending on their environment, stress levels, or life stage.
Medicalised Language: Because autism is a neurological difference and not an illness, terms like "sufferer", "symptoms", or "cure" are inaccurate. Instead, we speak about autistic characteristics, traits, or experiences.
"Challenging Behaviour": This term often centres the convenience of others rather than the needs of the autistic person. If someone is distressed, their actions are a form of communication. The focus should be on identifying the unmet need or environmental stressor causing the distress, rather than judging the behaviour itself.
Why Language Matters
The words we choose impact everything from government policy and healthcare to parenting and personal relationships. Language can be the bridge between exclusion and true belonging.
When we use neuro-affirming language, we move away from trying to fix people and move toward providing genuine support. Most importantly, it ensures that autistic people are the primary authors of their own stories instead of being talked over by clinical observations.
Autism is a natural part of human diversity. Autistic people deserve to be valued, not in spite of their neurological differences, but as a whole person because of them.
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