When you first receive a diagnosis for your child, you may not be sure how to talk to about autism and the correct terms to use.

Let’s start by saying that so far there is no universally accepted language around autism. Research has shown that autistic people use many different terms to describe themselves and talk about autism. So, if you’re talking to an autistic person, it’s always best to ask them about their personal preferences and to respect their particular choice of words. 

Identity-first language

A recent UK study has shown that the majority of autistic people prefer describing themselves as an ‘autistic person’ rather than a ‘person with autism’. This is also called identity-first language. It is often preferred, because it implies that autism is part of a person’s identity rather than something that needs to be treated or cured.

We use identity-first language on the Autism Central website and in our training materials, when we write about autism. However, it’s important to note that when an autistic person is talking about themselves, they may prefer different terms and we should respect their choices and communicate in their preferred way. 

Terms we avoid

There are certain words we avoid when talking about autism, as they are not helpful and often have negative connotations.

• We avoid using the terms ‘high functioning’ or ‘low functioning’ and ‘mild’ or ‘severe autism’, as they reduce people to oversimplified labels and make assumptions about their potential. Autism is a spectrum and will affect people in different ways. For this reason, we should focus on people’s individual strengths, challenges and support needs.
• We also won’t use any words that imply that autism is an illness or disease that can be treated or cured. Autism is a lifelong difference that comes with individual challenges and strengths for each person.
• We avoid using terms such as ‘challenging behaviour’ or ‘behaviours that challenge’ when talking about the behaviour of autistic people. These words imply that the autistic person ‘is challenging’ and needs to take responsibility to change their behaviour. Instead we use ‘distressed behaviour’, because it makes others think about the stress that an autistic person is experiencing and what can be done to reduce this.

Why words are important

Language is important, as it has a direct impact on the way in which autistic people are seen and treated in society. Autism is simply a difference in the way people process the world around them. We should embrace this difference rather presenting it as a deficit or abnormality.

The language we use to talk about autism should also reflect the need for society to make changes, so that the needs of autistic people are better supported. The words we use should emphasise the need for neurotypical people to adapt the way they communicate and interact with autistic people.