{"id":7876,"date":"2023-10-03T16:46:06","date_gmt":"2023-10-03T09:46:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=7876"},"modified":"2023-10-03T16:46:06","modified_gmt":"2023-10-03T09:46:06","slug":"why-using-identity-first-language-for-autism-matters","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/?p=7876","title":{"rendered":"Why Using Identity-First Language for Autism Matters"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> <script async src=\"https:\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-3711241968723425\"\r\n     crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<aside class=\"post-share hidden md:flex justify-center relative bg-transparent text-justify bottom-0 md:bottom-auto left-[20px] right-0 md:right-auto z-10\" data-module-init=\"post-share\">\n      <a class=\"post-share__button inline-block mx-[4px] py-[11px] text-center text-gray no-underline leading-4 border-0\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/sharer\/sharer.php?u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fidentity-first-language-autism%2F\" data-vars-event=\"Facebook\" data-vars-info=\"\/identity-first-language-autism\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n      <span class=\"text-sm sm:text-base icon-facebook\"\/><br \/>\n      <spann class=\"visually-hidden\">Share on facebook<\/spann><br \/>\n    <\/a><br \/>\n      <a class=\"post-share__button inline-block mx-[4px] py-[11px] text-center text-gray no-underline leading-4 border-0\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/share?text=I%20Don%E2%80%99t%20%E2%80%98Have%20Autism%E2%80%99%20%E2%80%94I%E2%80%99m%20Autistic.%20Here%E2%80%99s%20Why%20That%20Matters%20via%20%40iamwellandgood&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fidentity-first-language-autism%2F\" data-vars-event=\"Twitter\" data-vars-info=\"\/identity-first-language-autism\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n      <span class=\"text-sm sm:text-base icon-twitter\"\/><br \/>\n      <spann class=\"visually-hidden\">Share on twitter<\/spann><br \/>\n    <\/a><br \/>\n      <a class=\"post-share__button inline-block mx-[4px] py-[11px] text-center text-gray no-underline leading-4 border-0\" target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/pinterest.com\/pin\/create\/link\/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fidentity-first-language-autism%2F&amp;description=I%20Don%E2%80%99t%20%E2%80%98Have%20Autism%E2%80%99%20%E2%80%94I%E2%80%99m%20Autistic.%20Here%E2%80%99s%20Why%20That%20Matters&amp;media=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F09%2FWG_MindsIssue_PremiumArt_No-I-Dont-Have-Autism-%E2%80%94-Im-an-Autistic-Person__inset-533x400.jpg\" data-vars-event=\"Pinterest\" data-vars-info=\"\/identity-first-language-autism\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n      <span class=\"text-sm sm:text-base icon-pinterest-p\"\/><br \/>\n      <spann class=\"visually-hidden\">Share on pinterest<\/spann><br \/>\n    <\/a><br \/>\n      <a class=\"post-share__button inline-block mx-[4px] py-[11px] text-center text-gray no-underline leading-4 border-0\" href=\"mailto:?subject=I%20Don%E2%80%99t%20%E2%80%98Have%20Autism%E2%80%99%20%E2%80%94I%E2%80%99m%20Autistic.%20Here%E2%80%99s%20Why%20That%20Matters&amp;body=Language%20is%20powerful%20in%20its%20ability%20to%20shape%20how%20we%20see%20one%20another%E2%80%94and%20ourselves%20https%3A%2F%2Fwww.wellandgood.com%2Fidentity-first-language-autism%2F\" data-vars-event=\"Email\" data-vars-info=\"\/identity-first-language-autism\/\"><br \/>\n      <span class=\"text-sm sm:text-base icon-paper-plane\"\/><br \/>\n      <spann class=\"visually-hidden\">Share on email<\/spann><br \/>\n    <\/a><br \/>\n  <\/aside>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> \u201cWait, so do you have autism?\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> A few months back<strong>,<\/strong> I was catching up with an old friend who\u2019d seen me post on Instagram about my recent autism diagnosis. While I answered \u201cyes,\u201d as it was technically true, describing myself this way still did not feel completely right to me. I don\u2019t usually say I \u201chave autism,\u201d because that syntax conveys autism as being an illness. Instead, I tend to say, \u201cI\u2019m autistic,\u201d which comes across as a personality trait.<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> The latter way of describing oneself\u2014\u201cI\u2019m autistic\u201d\u2014uses identity-first language, whereas the former\u2014\u201cI have autism\u201d\u2014uses person-first language. There isn\u2019t consensus about whether person-first or identity-first language is preferable for any given identity\u2014particularly within disabled and neurodiverse communities. For instance, some members of the deaf community prefer to be <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/about-nih\/what-we-do\/science-health-public-trust\/perspectives\/writing-respectfully-person-first-identity-first-language\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nih.gov\/about-nih\/what-we-do\/science-health-public-trust\/perspectives\/writing-respectfully-person-first-identity-first-language\">described as \u201cdeaf people\u201d<\/a> (identity-first language) rather than \u201cpeople with deafness\u201d (person-first) because they consider deafness part of a culture and a trait to be proud of. Others feel, however, that using person-first language for certain descriptors\u2014e.g. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.nadtc.org\/news\/blog\/person-first-and-identity-first-language-choices\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.nadtc.org\/news\/blog\/person-first-and-identity-first-language-choices\/\">\u201cpeople with disabilities\u201d<\/a>\u2014helps to acknowledge someone\u2019s humanity and show that a disability is just one part of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Such discussions about terminology isn\u2019t just the splitting of semantic hairs, though. Language is powerful in its ability to shape how we see one another, and being attentive to the weight of words is a way to show respect for a certain culture or community of people\u2014as well as for individuals themselves.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> In the autism community\u2014which encompasses about <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9128411\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC9128411\/\">one in 45 American adults<\/a>, as of a 2020 estimate\u2014there has recently been a move among autistic people and their advocates to use identity-first language, as it feels less stigmatizing to many people, says <a href=\"https:\/\/drtaylorday.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/drtaylorday.com\/\">Taylor Day, PhD<\/a>, a licensed psychologist specializing in autism. \u201cThis shift has been largely driven by autistic adults stating their preference. We are seeing more acceptance of differences and people really starting to embrace neurodiversity.\u201d This acceptance has led to more people considering autism a large part of their identity\u2014a part of which they are proud.\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"block-medium font-serif py-5 w-full flex flex-col mt-[40px] md:mt-[56px] md-[24px] md:mb-[40px] justify-center items-center\" data-type=\"acf\/premium-article-image-quote\">\n<div class=\"flex flex-col w-full mx-auto justify-center ml:items-center\">\n<div class=\"ml:w-full gap-[18px] mb-[9px] flex flex-col ml:flex-row-reverse ml:-mx-[8px] xl:-mx-[9px]\">\n<div class=\"w-full ml:w-1\/2 text-center\">\n<div class=\"flex justify-center items-center h-full px-[23px] md:px-[73px] ml:px-[24px] py-[30px] min-h-[400px]\" style=\"background-color:#585dd2;color:var(--article-accent-color-2-text)\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-wg-quote block-thin flex flex-col relative mx-0 mb-0 p-0 !mt-[30px]\"><p><span class=\"text-quote !text-[95px] absolute top-[-10px] ml:top-[-30px] left-0 right-0 mx-auto\">\u201c<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"quote-quote text-center text-quote\">This shift has been largely driven by autistic adults stating their preference. We are seeing more acceptance of differences and people really starting to embrace neurodiversity.<\/p>\n<p><cite class=\"quote-credit text-center text-big italic opacity-60\"\/><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"w-full ml:w-1\/2\">\n<figure class=\"w-full h-full m-0 max-h-[600x]\">\n<div class=\"image-2021 overflow-hidden h-0 relative\" style=\"height: 100%\"> <picture><source data-srcset=\" https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_Photo-1_848x1062_true_75.webp 848w,https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_Photo-1_1018x1274_true_75.webp 1018w, https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_Photo-1_848x1062_true_75.webp 848w,https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_Photo-1_1018x1274_true_75.webp 1018w, https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_Photo-1_848x1062_true_75.webp 848w,https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_Photo-1_1018x1274_true_75.webp 1018w,\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\" (max-width:640px) 848px,  (max-width:768px) 848px,  848px\"\/><img class=\"image-2021__img block left-0 top-0 object-cover w-full !h-full min-h-full inset-0 lazy\" alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" data-module-init=\"image-2021\" data-module-immediate=\"\" data-is-vue=\"\"\/> <\/picture> <\/div>\n<\/figure><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Autism has a long history of being something to cure or eliminate, with autistic people often functioning as objects of mockery and pity. Using language that allows us to embrace our autism can help us move past this history and gain control over how society sees us\u2014and how we see ourselves.\u00a0<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"next-core\/paragraph core-heading text-h2 block-thin\" style=\"\"> The case for identity-first language<\/h2>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> In the 1980s, the disability community began pushing for person-first language because it was \u201cseen to be less reductive terminology to focus more on the person than the disability,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/people\/abby.sesterka\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.flinders.edu.au\/people\/abby.sesterka\">Abby Sesterka<\/a>, a languages teacher at the Flinders University Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching in Australia who specializes in neurodiversity. \u201cLanguage around autism followed suit, though it\u2019s worth noting that autistic advocacy was less prominent at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> While the intention of person-first language was to destigmatize, some believe it actually implies there\u2019s something undesirable about being autistic. Sesterka says that the shift to prefer identity-first language was popularized by autistic activist Jim Sinclair in <a href=\"https:\/\/autismmythbusters.com\/general-public\/autistic-vs-people-with-autism\/jim-sinclair-why-i-dislike-person-first-language\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/autismmythbusters.com\/general-public\/autistic-vs-people-with-autism\/jim-sinclair-why-i-dislike-person-first-language\/\">a 1999 essay<\/a>. \u201cNobody objects to using adjectives to refer to characteristics of a person that are considered positive or neutral. We talk about left-handed people, not \u2018people with left-handedness,\u2019 and about athletic or musical people, not about \u2018people with athleticism\u2019 or \u2018people with musicality,\u2019\u201d he wrote at the time. To this day, many autistic people (myself included) see autism similarly: as a positive personality trait.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> \u201cLooking at the English language when describing people, the descriptors we place ahead of the person tend to be more definite, unchanging, or uncontentious,\u201d says Sesterka. \u201cIn contrast, we often use a person-first structure to describe more transient things that are likely to change\u2014&#8217;that person wearing sunglasses\u2019\u2014or undesirable characteristics, such as illness.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<div class=\"premium-article-quote block-thin flex flex-col relative justify-center text-center mt-[37px] mb-[30px]\" data-type=\"acf\/premium-article-quote\">\n<blockquote class=\"wp-block-wg-quote block-thin flex flex-col\">\n<p class=\"quote-quote text-quote\">\u201cIt is sometimes offensive to use \u2018person with autism\u2019 because it implies an affliction.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><cite class=\"quote-credit block font-serif text-[19px] italic opacity-60\">\u2014Alyssa Jean Salter, neurodiversity and disability specialist<\/cite><\/p><\/blockquote><\/div>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Autistic people have long been fighting for autism not to be seen as a medical condition akin to diseases like cancer. For instance, discourse about vaccines causing autism (which has long been <a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/autism-vaccine-link-debunked\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/autism-vaccine-link-debunked\">disproven<\/a>) implies that being autistic is an inferior way of being, or a disease that requires treatment. Just this year, a study received media attention for potentially identifying a <a href=\"https:\/\/scitechdaily.com\/a-drug-that-cures-autism-neuroscience-study-yields-promising-results\/?expand_article=1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/scitechdaily.com\/a-drug-that-cures-autism-neuroscience-study-yields-promising-results\/?expand_article=1\">\u201cdrug that cures autism<\/a>.\u201d But autism doesn\u2019t need to be cured. There is nothing wrong with being autistic; it is simply a way of thinking and being.<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> That\u2019s why Alyssa\u00a0Jean Salter, a neurodiversity and disability specialist at <a href=\"https:\/\/www.benedlife.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.benedlife.com\">Bened Life<\/a> who is autistic herself, prefers identity-first language. She says it affirms that there is no problem with being autistic; rather, the problem is with how the world sees autism. \u201cIt is sometimes offensive to use \u2018person with autism\u2019 because it implies an affliction,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> In addition, some autistic people see autism as a large part of who they are. Saying \u201cperson with autism\u201d separates the autism from the person, while \u201cautistic\u201d acknowledges how interwoven it is with someone\u2019s identity. \u201cAutism shapes who I am in my daily life,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ericmgarcia.net\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.ericmgarcia.net\/\">Eric Garcia<\/a>, an autistic journalist and author of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hmhbooks.com\/shop\/books\/Were-Not-Broken\/9781328587848\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.hmhbooks.com\/shop\/books\/Were-Not-Broken\/9781328587848\"><em>We&#8217;re Not Broken: Changing the Autism Conversation<\/em><\/a>, who prefers identity-first language. \u201cIt shapes how I see the world and do my job. I wouldn&#8217;t be who I am without autism.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"next-core\/paragraph core-heading text-h2 block-thin\" style=\"\"> Language preferences vary and change with time<\/h2>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Within the autistic community, preferred language varies from person to person. \u201cSome autistic people simply see their autism as a neutral part of their identity, the same way they identify as being a tall person or a brown-eyed person. Some also feel proud of their autism and prefer to identify with it,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/nicole-arzt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.choosingtherapy.com\/nicole-arzt\/\">Nicole Arzt, LMFT<\/a>, a licensed marriage and family therapist who works with autistic people.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Indeed, this variance of preference includes folks who opt for person-first language. \u201cI see myself as human first and foremost,\u201d says <a href=\"https:\/\/brianraymondking.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/brianraymondking.com\/\">Brian R. King<\/a>, a coach for neurodiverse people. The phrase \u201cperson with autism\u201d makes it easier to \u201cembrace all of me and not just the parts with diagnoses,\u201d he adds. \u201cI find calling myself \u2018autistic\u2019 [to be like] saying one part of me matters more than the others. I&#8217;m the result of all my parts working together.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Rose Hughes, an autistic woman who serves as neurodiversity and disability specialist at Bened Life, is okay with both person-first and identity-first language. \u201cI think my go-to is \u2018autistic woman,\u2019 but in some contexts, I end up saying \u2018with autism,\u2019\u201d she says. Elizabeth Graham, an autistic person who serves on the National Council of Self-Advocates for the disability organization <a href=\"https:\/\/thearc.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/thearc.org\/\">The Arc<\/a>, feels similarly. \u201cI personally use both interchangeably to describe myself,\u201d she says.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Still, it appears more common for people to lean toward identity-first terminology. \u201cPreviously, we focused on person-first language\u2026and now, we largely focus on identity-first language,\u201d says Dr. Day. Google Trends data\u2014which provides some historical insight on language preferences based on what terms people search for on the internet\u2014shows that <a href=\"https:\/\/trends.google.com\/trends\/explore?date=all&amp;geo=US&amp;q=people%20with%20autism,autistic%20people&amp;hl=en\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/trends.google.com\/trends\/explore?date=all&amp;geo=US&amp;q=people%20with%20autism,autistic%20people&amp;hl=en\">uses of the phrase \u201cautistic people\u201d<\/a> have grown eight-fold in the past two decades. (Uses of \u201cpeople with autism\u201d have grown as well, likely due to increased awareness, but less so; they have about tripled.) \u201cMost of my clients prefer to identify themselves as autistic, although this isn&#8217;t the case for everyone,\u201d agrees Arzt.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> While some autistic people have preferences regarding identity-first and person-first language, these aren\u2019t the only two options. I often use the phrase \u201con the autism spectrum\u201d because it acknowledges the wide variety of people who qualify as autistic. It\u2019s a way for me to emphasize that even though I may not match <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/autism-myths\/\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/autism-myths\/\">everyone\u2019s idea of an autistic person<\/a>, I am still within that broad spectrum, and I belong in the autistic community.<\/p>\n<div class=\"block-thin mt-[30px] mb-[40px]\">\n<div class=\"acf-video text-left relative\">\n<figure class=\"w-full h-full m-0\">\n<div class=\"image-2021 overflow-hidden h-0 relative !h-full\" style=\"padding-bottom: 66.551326412918%;\"> <picture><source data-srcset=\" https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_inset_867x577_true_75.webp 867w,https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_inset_1040x692_true_75.webp 1040w, https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_inset_867x577_true_75.webp 867w,https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_inset_1040x692_true_75.webp 1040w, https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_inset_867x577_true_75.webp 867w,https:\/\/www.wellandgood.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/09\/Autism_inset_1040x692_true_75.webp 1040w,\" srcset=\"\" sizes=\" (max-width:640px) 867px,  (max-width:768px) 867px,  867px\"\/><img class=\"image-2021__img block left-0 top-0 object-cover w-full !h-full min-h-full inset-0 lazy !absolute\" alt=\"\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" data-module-init=\"image-2021\" data-module-immediate=\"\" data-is-vue=\"\"\/> <\/picture> <\/div><figcaption class=\"text-gray-light text-[13px] leading-[20px] text-center\"> <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Many autistic people, however, have mixed feelings about this phrasing, as well. Hughes dislikes \u201con the autism spectrum\u201d because she\u2019s had people use the concept of a spectrum to invalidate her identity by claiming that we\u2019re<em> all <\/em>somewhere on the spectrum. And Dr. Day says that some autistic people feel as if \u201cperson on the autism spectrum\u201d still separates the autism from the person and their identity.<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Other autistic people dislike referring to the \u201cautism spectrum\u201d because it resembles autism\u2019s clinical term, autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The terminology of ASD\u2014particularly the word \u201cdisorder\u201d\u2014is debated among autistic people, as it may be taken to mean that something is wrong with being autistic. \u201cSome people who genuinely appreciate their neurodivergence don&#8217;t necessarily identify having autism as a disorder,\u201d says Arzt. \u201cThey may just simply say they&#8217;re autistic, the same way someone might just say they&#8217;re American or female.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Another term that has fallen out of favor is \u201chigh-functioning autistic.\u201d Typically, \u201chigh-functioning\u201d has been used to describe people who appear \u201cless\u201d autistic and more neurotypical, which again implies that autism is something that\u2019s negative. Garcia explains that \u201cconcepts like high-functioning and low-functioning autism are not accurate descriptions of autism, since they are measured by what neurotypical people see.\u201d Instead of using these terms, Garcia recommends specifying what you mean, e.g. &#8220;an autistic person who does not require around-the-clock care\u201d or &#8220;a non-speaking autistic person.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Hughes says she\u2019s also not a fan of calling autistic people \u201cautistics,\u201d as this term has been used in derogatory ways and can feel \u201cdemeaning and belittling and ostracizing.\u201d<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> All of these perspectives are crucial because autistic people have long been defined by others\u2014diagnoses, societal stereotypes, etc.\u2014and rarely have had the opportunity to define ourselves. Self-labeling, therefore, is a meaningful part of taking ownership of one\u2019s identity in a society that still doesn\u2019t understand or fully accept us.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"next-core\/paragraph core-heading text-h2 block-thin\" style=\"\"> The importance of honoring one\u2019s personal language preferences<\/h2>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> The best way for people who are not autistic to show up as allies of autistic people and our sense of identity is to ask how we each like to be addressed. This puts the power over how autistic people are perceived in their own hands. \u201cYou will see the community argue about what version is best, but ultimately, it boils down to one thing: preference,\u201d says Salter, who advocates asking each individual what language they prefer. \u201cI cannot judge how others choose to identify because their story and identity is their own.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> In addition to asking someone what language they\u2019d like you to use, you can observe what words they use to describe themselves, says <a href=\"https:\/\/www.tamikamorales.com\/about-tamika\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.tamikamorales.com\/about-tamika\">Tamika Leche\u00e9 Morales<\/a>, outreach representative for <a href=\"https:\/\/abacenters.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/abacenters.com\">ABA Centers of America<\/a> and president of the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.autismheroproject.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.autismheroproject.org\/\">Autism Hero Project<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> It\u2019s also important to acknowledge that some autistic people have not even had the chance to consider the question of language, Salter adds. They are simply focused on surviving, whether that\u2019s navigating <a href=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/agenda\/2021\/10\/04\/americans-autism-employment-support-514667\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.politico.com\/news\/agenda\/2021\/10\/04\/americans-autism-employment-support-514667\">a hostile job market<\/a>, trying to obtain benefits and services, or enduring <a href=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/uk\/home-news\/autism-disability-hate-crime-figures-most-likely-a7725006.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.independent.co.uk\/news\/uk\/home-news\/autism-disability-hate-crime-figures-most-likely-a7725006.html\">discrimination and even violence<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Ultimately, what\u2019s more important than always getting the language right is embracing autistic people\u2019s individuality and working to improve their lives. \u201cThere are challenges over language, colors, symbols, and even whether autism is a superpower or a disability,\u201d says Morales. \u201cBut collectively, I believe we all just want systematic changes that provide access and resources for a community that is often left in the shadows and made to feel invisible.\u201d Many autistic people, for example, are fighting for accommodations in schools and the workplace, as well as <a href=\"https:\/\/www.unleash.ai\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/autistic-workers-have-the-largest-disability-pay-gap\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" referrerpolicy=\"no-referrer-when-downgrade\" data-vars-event=\"body text\" data-vars-click-url=\"https:\/\/www.unleash.ai\/diversity-equity-inclusion\/autistic-workers-have-the-largest-disability-pay-gap\/\">equal pay<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> Still, \u201cyou should always ask how someone wants to be identified for more than just respect but to feel seen,\u201d Morales adds. \u201cBeing intentional about our words and actions can have ripple effects.\u201d For me, the act of asking itself also feels like an acknowledgement of my identity, of my agency to say what I am.<\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> <em>Citations<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"core-paragraph block-thin text-big\" style=\"\"> <em>Well+Good articles reference scientific, reliable, recent, robust studies to back up the information we share. You can trust us along your wellness journey.<\/em><\/p>\n<ol class=\"core-list block-thin premium-list premium-list-ordered\">\n<li><em>McCarty, Mark F et al. \u201cCapsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health.\u201d\u00a0Open heart\u00a0vol. 2,1 e000262. 17 Jun. 2015, doi:10.1136\/openhrt-2015-000262<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>McCarty, Mark F et al. \u201cCapsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health.\u201d\u00a0Open heart\u00a0vol. 2,1 e000262. 17 Jun. 2015, doi:10.1136\/openhrt-2015-000262<\/em><\/li>\n<li><em>McCarty, Mark F et al. \u201cCapsaicin may have important potential for promoting vascular and metabolic health.\u201d\u00a0Open heart\u00a0vol. 2,1 e000262. 17 Jun. 2015, doi:10.1136\/openhrt-2015-000262<\/em><\/li>\n<\/ol><\/div>\n<p><script async src=\"\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><br \/>\n<br \/><div data-type=\"_mgwidget\" data-widget-id=\"1675549\">\r\n<\/div>\r\n<script>(function(w,q){w[q]=w[q]||[];w[q].push([\"_mgc.load\"])})(window,\"_mgq\");\r\n<\/script>\r\n<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Share on facebook Share on twitter Share on pinterest Share on email \u201cWait, so do you have autism?\u201d A few months back, I was catching up with an old friend who\u2019d seen me post on Instagram about my recent autism diagnosis. While I answered \u201cyes,\u201d as it was technically true, describing myself this way still &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":7877,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-7876","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7876","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=7876"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/7876\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/7877"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=7876"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=7876"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/loudhdtv.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=7876"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}