I am autistic

The language surrounding autism can be very confusing, especially as someone new to the area. It can feel like a minefield sometimes, with some words now being outdated or offensive to many autistic people. Below, I highlight the language I choose to use, and my opinions on common terminology. 

(Note: this is my opinion only and I have attempted to reflect the views of other autistic people. Do not take my opinions as the definitive rules, as of course everyone is different, and the language surrounding autism is constantly evolving. I would recommend asking autistic people you know what language they prefer.)

‘I am autistic’ = This is the primary way I would describe myself to someone if talking about my autism. This is an example of identity-first language – where the condition is mentioned before the person, e.g., ‘an autistic person.’ I prefer to use this over person-first language, such as ‘I have autism’ or ‘I have ASD’ (see below). 

Person-first language = This is when you put the person before the condition, e.g., ‘person with autism.’ This was used to separate the autism from the person, because there was a view that people are ‘more than their autism.’ In recent years, the autistic community has begun to use identity-first language. This is preferred by most (including me) because autism is not something to be ‘more than.’ It is so intertwined with your identity, and this is ok.  

ASD = Autism Spectrum Disorder. This is the current term used for a diagnosis of autism. Autism Spectrum Condition (ASC) is interchangeable for ASD in most scenarios. In many ways I prefer ASC to ASD as I find the connotations of the word ‘disorder’ to be negative and indicate that things should be ‘put in order’ or fixed. However, I was diagnosed with ASD, and this is the term that is used for most medical evidence.

Disability = Autism is generally classed as a disability because it is a ‘mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities’ (Equality Act 2010). It is up to an individual whether they want to use the term ‘disabled’ or not. I, personally, would refer to my autism as a disability because, in my case, it fits the definition above.

Deficit = Autism is often described in deficit terms, e.g., ‘social deficit.’ This is unlike ‘disability,’ which simply suggests an inability to do certain tasks. To me, deficit suggests that something is wrong or lacking, and there is nothing wrong with being autistic. 

Neurodivergent = Neurodiversity is the diversity in human brains. Neurodivergent people have a brain which works differently to ‘neurotypical people’ (see below). Though autistic people are neurodivergent, it is not exclusive to autism. Neurodivergent people could also have ADHD, Dyslexia, Foetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, Tourette’s, or many other conditions. 

Neurotypical = A neurotypical is someone who’s brain development is ‘typical’ or ‘standard.’ It is opposite to someone being ‘neurodivergent.’ There are some issues with describing groups of people as ‘standard,’ as it infers neurodiverse people are therefore untypical, not normal, or even wrong. This is not true; being autistic simply means that your brain is different.

Allistic = Allistic means non-autistic. It is possible for someone to be neurodiverse and allistic; for example, if they have any of the conditions mentioned above.

Normal = Normal is a word I would choose to avoid, as I feel it infers that autistic people are ‘not normal,’ and it has negative connotations. When describing non-autistic people, say just that – ‘non-autistic’ – or use neurotypical or allistic instead.

High/low functioning = Using this language should be avoided. These are terms stemming from society’s judgment on how ’useful’ someone is considered, and how their autistic behaviour displays itself.  It causes problems for those labelled as ‘low functioning’ because it belittles them, underestimates their ability, and can stop them accessing support. On the other hand, those labelled ‘high functioning’ can have their needs invalidated and ignored, and they may also struggle to access support.

High/low support needs = This is preferred language over ‘high/low functioning.’ Stating someone’s support needs is less restricting than their supposed ‘functioning’ level. However, describing an individual’s ‘support needs’ has its risks. It is still a way of separating autistic people into different groups depending on how their autism affects them and is perceived by others. It is also important to note that people’s support needs can change daily, or over time. The most ideal way to describe an autistic person would be just that: to describe their personal strengths and challenges in relation to their autism. 

Mild or severe = Autism is not a type of Nando’s sauce! My main issue with these terms is that they relate only to how society perceives and is impacted by an autistic person. Just because my autism seems mild to you, it doesn’t mean it is mild to me. I am often high masking (see below), and my autism may seem mild to you because I am trying to hide my autistic traits.

Masking = Masking is when a person tries to hide their autistic traits to fit in with their peers, and neurotypical standards. You can be aware of masking, or it can be sub-conscious. If someone has masked their whole life – which is particularly common to those who are diagnosed as a teenager or adult – it can be very hard to then ‘unmask,’ or be their true self. Masking can also be called camouflaging. 

Meltdown = Often described as the ‘fight’ in fight or flight, autistic meltdowns are commonly misunderstood by those around us. They are an intense response to feeling of overwhelm or anxiety. For me, I feel completely out of control during a meltdown. I cannot manage my behaviour, and this often results in kicking myself, punching a wall or pushing chairs and tables. Meltdowns are the worst I ever feel and during them, I can’t imagine them ever ending. Once a meltdown has finished (which you also can’t control), the aftermath can be just as bad. You’re faced with the regret of your out-of-character behaviour and criticism from those around you of your disruption and disrespect. I believe the most important thing to remember about meltdowns is that they are extremely uncomfortable and unsettling for autistic people and if we could choose, we would definitely not have them! So, any anger or shame aimed at us afterwards, is very harmful. 

Shutdown = If a meltdown is ‘fight,’ then a shutdown would be ‘freeze.’ Some people describe them as a computer shutting down. This could look like people becoming withdrawn or quiet, leaving a situation, or being unable to tell someone how you feel or go to get help. I don’t have much experience of shutdowns, so I am recalling other people’s experiences here. I think this highlights the importance that all autistic people are different and we don’t have the same experiences. I have, however, occasionally felt unable to move or speak, no matter how much I want to. This is very frustrating, and the worst thing someone can do is pester you or get you in trouble – because you can’t control a shutdown. 

Stimming = A stim, or a self-stimulating behaviour, is an action/movement that someone does to help regulate themselves. Everybody stims; think bouncing your leg or biting your nails. Autistic people seem to stim more, or in ways that are more obvious. I, personally, have upset stims and happy stims. Upset stims, for me, include rocking, twisting my hands, and pacing – and I do this whenever I am feeling overwhelmed, to help myself cope. Happy stims, on the other hand, are more joyous: jumping up and down, flapping my hands, often done with a big smile on my face. I would describe this as feeling so much happiness in your body, that you need to let it out, and it is the best feeling in the world. Stimming is very useful for everybody, especially autistic people, and so it should never be criticised or discouraged. 

Non-speaking = Someone who is non-speaking cannot speak yet. However, this does not necessarily mean their brain is any less developed, or that they cannot communicate. People can find other ways of communication, such as sign-language, alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), or physical touch. Some speaking autistic people may describe periods of going ‘non-speaking.’ This can happen when we are stressed or overwhelmed, and it is therefore harder to communicate. Personally, I find this very hard, and I have a sense of feeling locked in my brain.

Symptoms = Usually associated with illness or disease, I prefer to avoid the use of the word symptoms. Instead, I prefer traits. This makes sense to me because autism is so intertwined with personality that describing my autistic traits is the same as describing my personality traits. Some of my autistic traits, for example, are sensitivities to sound, struggling with change and uncertainty, and stimming. 

Asperger’s syndrome = A now outdated term, that was used for so-called ‘high functioning’ autism, a lot of controversy surrounds Asperger’s syndrome’s use. To sum it up, Hans Asperger (whom the diagnosis is named after) was associated with the Nazis and maltreatment of autistic people. Due to this past, the autism community has essentially disowned the term ‘Asperger’s’. It is also now recognised that autism is a spectrum. Just because people’s traits display differently, it does not mean they have to be classed into different sub-groups based on society’s judgement.