A check in on Neurodiversity Affirming Language during Autism Awareness Month

It is currently Autism Awareness Month and a great opportunity to look at how we can do better rallying around our beautiful Autistic community by using language that they welcome.

It is current practice to diagnose Autism as ‘Autism Spectrum Disorder’ (ASD) in line with the DSM-5, which is the handbook used by health professionals in the US and much of the world as the go-to guide for the diagnosis of disorders. A formal diagnosis according to the DSM-5 criteria is currently needed in Australia to be able to seek funding for support for Autistic individuals.

The Neurodiversity movement is a social justice movement, which means it works towards achieving fair and equal rights for people. In this case, they promote the rights and strengths of Neurodivergent people. Within the movement, Autistic people reject Autism being described as a disorder as well as a lot of the other language used to describe Autism in the DSM-5.

I did a brilliant course through Speech Pathology Australia recently which, in part, did a great job looking at some of the language that we can use to describe the differences in the sensory experiences (the sorts of experiences we have when we see, hear, touch, smell or taste something), executive functions (the set of skills which, among other things, help you plan ahead and meet goals, manage our feeling and reactions, follow directions and stay focussed) and monotropisms (different interests and focuses) of Autistic people. Here is some affirming language that I thought I would share:

·      Using a capitalised ‘A’ for Autism or Autistic

·      Describing Autism characteristics or experiences rather than symptoms

·      Talking about specific supports or services rather than a cure, treatment or intervention

·      Describing a person as non-speaking rather than non-verbal

·      Referring to people as Non-Autistic or Allistic rather than normal

·      Being supportive of someone’s stims rather than describing them as repetitive movements

·      Awareness of a person’s intense interests (SPINs), rather than describing them as restrictive interests or obsessions

If you are ever unsure, A great starting place for us all is to always ask someone what their preferred language is.

And remember, Autistic people have communication styles that are valid and acceptable. By accepting and being supportive of these differences, we go a long way to helping everyone to be their best me.