Thus, you would say “Jane Doe, an autistic writer” instead of “Jane Doe, a writer with autism” or “Jane Doe, a writer who suffers from autism. " A minority of people on the spectrum prefer to be called “people with autism. " If this is an individual’s preference, respect it.
Some people in the Autistic community use “support labels” as a shorthand, with the three categories “high support,” “medium support,” and “low support. " These make fewer assumptions about a person’s abilities. However, they are not universally used. Many autistic people are opposed to the label of “Asperger’s” or “Aspie” for the same reason. Many people also have concerns about Hans Asperger’s support for Nazis and eugenics. [9] X Research source The simplest way to describe a person’s needs and abilities is to summarize them, such as “Smith uses a wheelchair, types with a keyboard, and lives with her husband and two daughters. "
Avoid overly negative language like “disease,” “illness,” “epidemic,” or “tragedy. " Autism isn’t a sickness, it doesn’t kill people, it’s not contagious, and it’s not comparable to serious illnesses such as cancer. Avoid cutesy or trendy terms such as “handicapable” or “diffability. "
Saying that someone is “suffering from” or “afflicted by” autism is victimizing language. Instead, just call them autistic. With lots of people and groups already treating autism like a disaster, you won’t be adding anything new to the conversation if you do the same, nor would you be helping autistic people and their loved ones feel better. Use respectful, empowering language instead.
Many autistic people say they would not want to be “cured” of autism, because it would fundamentally change who they are. [12] X Research source Focusing too much on finding causes of autism may lead to prenatal testing, and it also takes funds away from research on quality of life supports. Instead of eliminating autism, many autistic people want better support and inclusion.
Avoid using “normal” to describe non-autistic people. This doesn’t have great implications. The word “neurotypical” applies to people who are non-autistic, and also without ADHD, bipolar disorder, dyslexia, and other brain-related disabilities. For example, a non-autistic person with Down Syndrome is not neurotypical. Some people use the word “allistic” to describe non-autistic people. However, the meaning of this word isn’t as obvious to the uninformed reader, and it’s controversial as a term. [16] X Research source
Publicly sharing someone’s worst moments is exploitative, and can push a narrative of pity and negativity. Some parents violate their own children’s privacy. If a parent gives you a very revealing quote, consider whether you would have been okay with your own family saying this for an article or news story. If not, keep it quiet. Assume that even if the autistic person doesn’t seem aware now, they can hear more than they let on, and they could even read what you wrote about them in 10 years. Even if they don’t, other autistic people who face similar challenges could read it.
Abusive therapies are not just “tough love. “[20] X Research source They can cause physical injury and PTSD. [21] X Research source [22] X Research source No child deserves to live in fear of an adult. Aversives, restraint, and seclusion are abusive and dangerous practices. [23] X Research source [24] X Research source [25] X Research source Kids have been seriously injured and even died while being pinned down or locked in cell-like rooms. [26] X Research source [27] X Research source [28] X Research source There’s a difference between discipline that teaches people and discipline that terrifies them. [29] X Research source The murder of an autistic child is a horrific act, not a loving one. [30] X Research source It’s not a “mercy killing” or a “final act of love. " The death of a child is an awful thing, and this includes autistic children. [31] X Research source [32] X Research source Instead of discussing how “difficult” the child was, talk about them like you would any other child who was murdered by their parents. [33] X Research source Show the world what a senseless tragedy this was, and write about the wonderful child who will be missed.
The paper that claimed vaccines could cause autism was an elaborate fraud. The researcher who wrote it intentionally faked his data, and was concealing large payments from lawyers. [39] X Research source [40] X Research source You can find information on which treatments are dangerous, and which are backed by scientific research. [41] X Research source
Read through #ActuallyAutistic to see posts made by autistic people, and try the hashtag #AskAnAutistic to see or ask questions. If you know an autistic person who is willing, consider asking them to read your writing before you publish.
Autism is inborn and lifelong. Scammers may claim that autism is caused by a number of things, such as vaccines, parasites, or “toxins. " They will also claim to “cure” autism. However, autism begins in utero and is likely genetic. [42] X Research source [43] X Research source [44] X Research source Someone who is born autistic will stay autistic for the rest of their life. [45] X Research source With therapy and support, they can gain skills to help them live better lives. Autistics can be empathetic. Autistic people may experience empathy differently, and many of them struggle with cognitive empathy (mind-reading) but feel deep caring for others. [46] X Research source [47] X Research source [48] X Research source Not all autistics are good at STEM. Some are better at the arts (which you can see if you browse through autistic art online). Different autistic people have unique talents. Not all autistics have savant skills. The majority of autistic people have no savant skills. However, they may still have plenty of strong skills, just like non-autistic people do. Autistics are diverse. Autistic people exist of all genders, races, and backgrounds. They have different needs and abilities. No two autistics are alike.
There’s no need to call the news because an autistic person went to prom, graduated from school, succeeded at their job, or did other ordinary life activities. Autistic people (and disabled people in general) aren’t “heroic” for living their ordinary lives. [49] X Research source [50] X Research source
Autism Speaks is a high-profile example of an autism organization that mostly excludes and disempowers autistics. The Autistic Self-Advocacy Network and the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network are very well regarded. Research anti-autism organizations with care. Sometimes, the things you find out may be disturbing, especially if you’re a deeply empathetic person. Be mindful of your emotional health.
The puzzle piece,[51] X Research source [52] X Research source [53] X Research source and the color blue (for #lightitupblue)[54] X Research source [55] X Research source [56] X Research source [57] X Research source are from anti-autism organizations and have negative connotations. The neurodiversity symbol (a rainbow infinity sign),[58] X Research source [59] X Research source [60] X Research source Autisticat, and red for #REDinstead[61] X Research source [62] X Research source [63] X Research source come from autistic people and have neutral to positive connotations.
Being “normal” isn’t always a good goal. Sometimes, it’s better to just be a happy autistic person than to try to be an unhappy person who doesn’t “look autistic. " Harmless traits shouldn’t be suppressed. It’s okay for autistic people to fidget, avoid eye contact, or have quirky body language. A better world for autistic people means that non-autistics should put in effort to being kind and caring, instead of autistic people doing all of the work themselves.
For example, the sentence “People with autism often face bullying because of their severe social deficits” blames autistic people for others’ choice to bully them. The sentence “Autistic people are at higher risk for bullying, and bullies may see them as easy targets because of their social differences” acknowledges that the bullies are the ones who choose to mistreat others. For example, the sentence “Parents of autistics endure extreme stress dealing with their children” blames autistic children for family problems and could make autistic readers feel guilty or worthless. The sentence “Parents of autistic children may struggle to cope with stress, as it can be hard to deal with the stigma while fighting to help their child” acknowledges outside issues and is kinder to autistic people.
A sentence like “She wrote a brilliant book, despite her autism” claims that autism is a barrier to writing. In reality, some autistic people say that their autistic traits enhance, or do not impact, their writing skills. It would be more accurate to just say “She wrote a brilliant book” or “She wrote a brilliant book, despite nobody believing in her. " If you’re looking to highlight their triumph over big obstacles, look at ways they challenge society: defying stereotypes, breaking expectations, or igniting change. Just because they’re still autistic doesn’t make their achievements any less exceptional.
Consider nearsightedness as an example of an inability that isn’t a disability. People with nearsightedness can’t see as well. But society accommodates this by offering glasses and contacts, and no employer would doubt someone’s competence based on their nearsightedness. If all conditions, such as deafness or paralysis were accommodated, then disability would cease to exist. [66] X Research source Many of autistic people’s problems aren’t caused by autism, but by a lack of acceptance and support.
