To say "autistic" nicely, use identity-first language like "Autistic person" or "person on the spectrum" as many autistic people prefer it, seeing it as a core identity, but always ask the individual what they prefer, as some prefer person-first language like "person with autism," and avoid using it as an insult or with the R-word, focusing instead on strengths and differences.
Autistic is the preferred way, it's not alienating. neurodivergent doesn't work as it's an umbrella term for many different things. If you like having autism/with autism that's okay too if it makes you comfortable but the best way is just to call ourselves autistic.
Most autistic people prefer the phrasing “autistic person/people” because they see autism as an integral part of their identity. Others prefer “people with autism/ASD” or “people who have autism/ASD” because they want to emphasize that the person is more than his/her condition.
You may have heard people use a lot of different words to mean autism. In our team we use the terms “autistic” and “autism” wherever possible, as well as “on the spectrum” as these are usually preferred by autistic people themselves.
In the autism community, many self-advocates and their allies prefer terminology such as “Autistic,” “Autistic person,” or “Autistic individual” because we understand autism as an inherent part of an individual's identity — the same way one refers to “Muslims,” “African-Americans,” “Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/ ...
Consider using the following terms instead (where it is appropriate to do so): people with a learning disability. people with a developmental disability. people with an intellectual disability.
We strive to use language that respects each member of our community, and the use of derogatory language or slurs is unacceptable and reprehensible. The use of the R-word in any form is unacceptable. Using "autism" or "autistic" as a slur or insult is also never acceptable. A person's diagnosis should never be mocked.
In 2013, Asperger syndrome and the other autism-related diagnoses were folded into the broader autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders 5 (DSM-5), now the DSM-5-TR.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
Many autistic people are highly empathetic and have a strong moral compass. They may become distressed by injustice and motivated to change the world for the better. Plenty of autistic people are not afraid to stand up for their beliefs and challenge things they see as unjust.
use age-appropriate language and resources. start by talking about difference (for example that different people experience the world in different ways and everyone's brain works differently) ensure they know that difference isn't bad or scary. introduce the subject in a relaxed way, preferably in a relaxed environment.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
Some prefer to say “child with autism” because they feel it emphasizes the child's identity outside their diagnosis. But many autism activists prefer “autistic child” because they feel that autism should be respected as part of a person's identity, rather than a disability.
Positive language is important. It helps change how we see and interact with autistic individuals. Using words like "resilient," "bright," and "creative" highlights their strengths. This pushes aside any wrong ideas people may have.
The symptoms of Asperger's Syndrome are now included in a condition called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). ASD is now the name used for a wide range of autism-like disorders. Some providers may still use the term Asperger's Syndrome, but others will say “ASD – without intellectual or language impairment." or autistic.
That being said, Asperger's syndrome was closely, often interchangeably used, with “high functioning” autism.
Researchers are not sure what causes autism, but they believe genetic and environmental factors play a role. Risk factors can include having older parents or a sibling with ASD, genetic or chromosomal conditions like Down syndrome or fragile X syndrome, and very low birth weight.
Donald Triplett, autism's 'Case 1,' dies at 89. Triplett gained media attention for his autism later in life, and he became the face of the effort to research the lives of older adults with autism.
We reviewed 36 studies examining maternal diet and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and found that prenatal vitamin/multivitamin use and adequate intake of folic acid and vitamin D were each associated with lower likelihood of having a child with ASD.
In 1877, British doctor John Down used the term developmental retardation to describe conditions including what would be considered autism today. Also in 1877, German doctor Adolf Kussmaul defined the condition aphasia voluntaria - when people choose not to speak.
The different types of autism include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), autistic disorder (classic autism), Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), and Rett syndrome.
So, ADHD and ASD aren't the same condition, but — because they have so many similarities — it's easy to confuse them. After all, it's not like there's a specific spot on the brain where ASD stops and ADHD begins.
Understanding the 6 stages of an autism meltdown can help parents, caregivers, and educators respond with empathy and support.
However, scientists found a strong genetic component from the father that contributed to an autism diagnosis in siblings. The research does not conclude the father will carry an autism gene in every case, but it found autistic siblings tend to share their father's genome at a near double rate compared to the mother's.
This is perhaps the largest misconception surrounding autism — that people who are diagnosed with ASD can't live a normal life. People who have autism might face challenges that people who don't have it won't, but they're very capable of achieving goals and living a happy and healthy life.