Blog
By trying to be neuroaffirming are we at risk of denying Autistic people’s identity?
- February 3, 2025
- Posted by: Louise Scrivener
- Category: blog
When trying to use Neuroaffirming Autistic Identity language, are we at risk of denying Autistic people’s identity?
Words matter! They can shape the way that people view and think about autism. When delivering Autism training I can feel slightly nervous when discussing terminology. I desperately want to model how to use neuroaffirming language to others, so that I’m promoting respect and acceptance. To be honest, I’m constantly worried about slipping back into using person-first language, as this was what was deemed appropriate terminology (for about the first 2 decades of me working in the field of autism).
Have we lost sight of what is important?
The term “Asperger’s” was technically cancelled, when it was removed from the DSM-5 in 2013. Many find the term inappropriate due to the controversial history of the person it was named after Han Asperger. But what about those individuals who wish to use the term to describe their experience and ultimately identity? Sadly, I’ve heard more than one person apologise for saying they have Asperger’s or referring to themselves as an “Aspie” as they think they shouldn’t call themselves that anymore.
And what about all those individuals who have been formally diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and now Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC)?
We need to question whether we are impacting people’s self-esteem by stating that the way they choose to identify is now inappropriate or even worse “wrong”! Identity is highly personal and no one should be told how they can or cannot identify themselves.
Final Thoughts….
- Talking in absolutes can be problematic.
- Keep up to date with research around language preferences of autistic people.
- Ensure that people feel comfortable to use any language that they wish to describe their own identity.
Less Preferable | More preferable |
Person/child/adult with autism | Autistic person/child/adult |
Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) | Autism |
High functioning or low functioning | Autistic person with…..support needs |
Autism Symptoms | Autism characteristics/traits/features |
Red flags for autism | Signs/Indicators of possible autism |
Problem behaviour/Challenging behaviour | Distressed behaviour/Specific description of behaviour |
In summary, Neuroaffirming Autistic Identity is about the individual. When talking to/writing about a specific person ask THEM about their language preferences.
Links:
https://www.autism.org.uk/contact-us/media-enquiries/how-to-talk-and-write-about-autism
https://www.ambitiousaboutautism.org.uk/understanding-autism/about-autism/how-to-talk-about-autism