Let’s Change the Language and Perception of Autism

Dr. Carol Kennedy

It’s time we reframed Autism and the terminology that is neither accurate nor helpful.  Instead let’s use language that breaks barriers and deters discrimination. We need to create a strengths-based neurodiversity view rather than a deficit-based view of Autism and varying abilities in general.  By the word “we” I mean educators, clinicians, schools, families, care-givers and institutions. Together we must change the narrative.

Reframing Autism - An Important Voice

Recently I came across a very interesting website,

https://reframingautism.org.au

an organization run by and for Autistic people who talk about this very issue. Their goal is to help improve the lives of Autistic people, including employment, opportunities and self-perception.

Autism is an opportunity, not a disease- there is no cure.  It is a state of being that is an immutable part of a person with all of its beauty, individual characteristics and worthiness.

This organization stresses that instead of using “Autism Spectrum Disorders,” we should use “Autism Spectrum Difference” or just “Autism.” A child is Autistic, they do not have Autism.  This recommendation comes from people who are Autistic. 

Words and Labels Count

Now think about how this changes the perception of the people who interact with your child and their self-perception.  I think about this also in terms of my son who was diagnosed with ADD and learning disabilities, including processing disorders when he was young.  He does not think about himself in these terms and found the labelling difficult to deal with and discriminating.  He is now a grown man, highly skilled in construction, opening his own business, getting married and very competent.  Obviously, he has diverse learning styles, but also gifts and talents. How much easier it would have been for him as a student to been referred to as neuro- diverse or having learning differences.  It would have made life easer for me as his parent as well.

On a final note here – we should not be using the terms “high-functioning” versus “low-functioning” when referring to an Autistic person.  This is inaccurate to say the least. This person’s daily life fluctuates and is contextual.  Where they are, how they are feeling, who they are interacting with affects how they are functioning. It is far better to describe a person’s personal strengths, needs and abilities which provides a more accurate and flexible description of who they are. This is particularly true when talking about a young person who changes naturally as they mature. 

So, let’s be part of the positive change and demand that your child’s school, medical and clinical team use this language to help your child have better self- identity, recognize their strengths and a find greater path to happiness.