How We Talk About Autism and Autistic People Matters

As our knowledge and understanding of autism increases, the language we use about autism should change too. Autism comprehension will always be fluid and evolving as knowledge is not a static thing. How we talk about autism and autistic people matters because it can make the difference between pathologizing and reducing someone or empowering, supporting, and respecting who they are.

When writing official paperwork, professionals may be required to use diagnostic language which tends to focus on deficits. Wherever possible, especially when talking to autistic people and their families, this diagnostic terminology should be translated into the style of language that is identity-affirming and not pathologizing.

The term ‘spectrum’ is used to describe the range of characteristics and abilities found in autistic people, as well as developmental changes which might occur over time such as improvement in language ability. The spectrum does not refer to a degree or scale of autism severity as there is no such scale.

“If you’ve met one autistic person, you’ve met one autistic person.” No two autistic people are alike; everyone experiences autism in different ways and will require individualized supports.

There is a vast body of research that tells us how the majority of autistic people wish to be considered. Let’s explore some of the language about autism and how we can change it to be more respectful and validating of autistic identity.

The Medical Model of Autism

The medical model of autism says autism is a neurological disorder. Most autistic people don’t consider autism to be a disorder but rather a neurological difference. They are neurodivergent and autistic self-advocates are central to the neurodiversity movement.

Don’t talk about treatments or cures because autism isn’t an illness. Instead, talk about support services or strategies that improve quality of life. None should have the goal of “normalizing” or reducing autistic behaviors unless those behaviors are harmful such as self-injurious behaviors. While autistic people may need treatment for other conditions such as depression that are present alongside being autistic, do not think of this in terms of treating their autism.

Avoid the term symptoms which implies illness; use common autistic traits/characteristics or a person’s autism profile. Special needs and special treatments are also outdated language. Rather than special needs, say, “They need (insert specific support needs). Other outdated terms are dysfunction, syndrome, deficit and impairment.

High Functioning, Low Functioning, Levels and Other Labels

Avoid using the terms high functioning, low functioning or levels. Functioning and severity labels are inaccurate and considered offensive; they fail to capture how a person’s needs may vary and fluctuate according to the situation. These terms locate all challenges innately within the person’s ability rather than due to a societal or situational failure to meet the person’s access needs. The low functioning label ignores a person’s strengths and the high functioning label ignores the challenges a person has or the effort is takes to appear high functioning (masking).

Functioning fluctuates year to year and even day to day. If a person is feeling anxious or stressed, they may not be able to hold a conversation in that moment or self-regulate.

Avoid the use of severe, profound or mild autism. It’s better to explain what a person’s challenges are and whether or not they have a learning disability. It is not their autistic-ness that is more or less severe, it is the thing they are struggling with that is more or less severe. When you stop thinking of autism as a disorder, then it doesn’t make sense to mention severity.

Use Identity First Language

Most autistic people prefer identity first language such as autistic person, autistic child, autistic adult, autistic people. This is because they see being autistic as integral to who they are, not as something they ‘have’. Person first language such as child with autism is not preferred by many autistic people, though it is preferred by some disabled people who see their disability as
something they ‘have’, not something they ‘are’. Respect a person’s preferences about what type of language they prefer.

Non-Speaking Rather Than Non-Verbal

The National Autistic Society in the UK explains this well:

Some autistic people who speak few or no words have explained that it is incorrect to say they are ‘non-verbal’ because they often can and do verbalize and use words. It is more accurate to refer to whether or how reliably they use speech. It is important to remember that many people communicate effectively in other ways, such as in writing, using AAC or through gesture.

Use the terms non-speaking, or an autistic person who speaks few or no words, or an autistic person who has intermittent or unreliable speech. Autistic people can lose their ability to speak when they are highly stressed, overwhelmed or anxious. This happens to my adult daughter when she experiences those feelings.

“Everyone is a little bit autistic. Everyone is on the spectrum.”

I hear these statements from time to time. These statements are incorrect as the autism spectrum refers to autistic people specifically. They are offensive because they are dismissive of autistic people’s specific experience. We must remember that autism is understood as a spectrum because each autistic person has a unique combination of characteristics.

It is also wrong to say that someone doesn’t look autistic. There isn’t an autistic “look”. To say this statement upholds a harmful stereotype and can feel invalidating to the person who suspects or knows they are autistic.

How do we replace pathologized language?

The Leicestershire National Health Service has created an excellent chart on how we can replace pathologized language with more appropriate terms and descriptors. Just scroll down to see it.

How we talk about autism and autistic people matters. Using incorrect or offensive language can affect how a person is treated and the supports they receive. If we chose to ignore the language we use, we risk keeping old stereotypes, myths, and misunderstandings going. We also have to listen to autistic people, respect their preferences and honor who they are. An autistic person’s self-esteem and well-being depends on us making these changes.

Please Note – I am aware that some of my past blog posts use outdated language. I will update older blog posts as time permits. 

References

(June, 2025). How to Talk and Write About Autism. National Autistic Society

(December, 2023). How to talk about autistic ways of being. Leicestershire National Health Service