The preferred terminology for autism is often debated, but there's a strong movement towards identity-first language (e.g., "autistic person") as preferred by many autistic adults, while some still use person-first language (e.g., "person with autism") or prefer "person on the autism spectrum," highlighting that individuals have diverse preferences, so asking the person or their family is best. Key is respecting individual choice, recognizing autism as a neurodevelopmental difference (neurodiversity) rather than solely a disorder, and using terms like "low support needs" or "high support needs".
Autism Spectrum Disorder is the official way of describing autism but many autistic people and families feel that the term 'disorder' is too negative for everyday discussions. Autism is a difference rather than a disorder. The words autism and autism spectrum are widely accepted by autistic people and their families.
While many have used and continue to use the term "person with autism" because they find it more polite or respectful, it is widely accepted that people who have received an autism diagnosis prefer to be referred to as an "autistic person."
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. When we make diagnoses and in our formal reports, we also still use the term “Autism Spectrum Disorder”.
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): A complex developmental disability that affects communication, socialization and behavior. Autism is called a spectrum disorder because it is defined by a set of behaviors and affects individuals differently and by varying degrees.
“Person with disabilities” or “person with autism” is an example of person-first language, versus calling someone a “disabled person” or “autistic person”. At face value, using person-first language makes sense and is a clear attempt to be as respectful as possible with words.
In addition to autism, neurodivergence can include ADHD, dyslexia, dyscalculia and Tourette syndrome. Neurodivergence refers to a difference in brain functioning and processing from what is considered standard, which applies to those with autism.
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.
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.
Are There Different Types of Autism?
This is why diagnosis levels – instead of “high-functioning”—is the preferred language when describing an autistic person's support needs. Someone with Level 1 autism, for example, may fit Dr.
The study defines four subtypes of autism — Social and Behavioral Challenges, Mixed ASD with Developmental Delay, Moderate Challenges, and Broadly Affected. Each subtype exhibits distinct developmental, medical, behavioral and psychiatric traits, and importantly, different patterns of genetic variation.
The name for Asperger's Syndrome has officially changed, but many still use the term Asperger's Syndrome when talking about their condition. 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.
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/ ...
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.
'High functioning autism' language outdated, harmful. Calls by The Kids researchers to abandon the inaccurate term 'high functioning autism' sparked a global conversation about how misleading and harmful the phrase can be.
Children with autism may exhibit rigidity, inflexibility and certain types of repetitive behavior such as: Insistence on following a specific routine. Having difficulty accepting changes in the schedule. A strong preoccupation with a particular interest.
Chinning is a form of repetitive self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) that you may notice in children or adults with autism. It involves pressing, rubbing, or holding the chin against objects, surfaces, or even hands to gain sensory input or comfort.
"Looping" in autism, often called "autism looping," is a non-clinical term for getting stuck in repetitive thought patterns, questions, or phrases, like a broken record, often due to anxiety, sensory overload, or a need for resolution, making it hard to switch focus and causing stress, overlapping with perseveration and rumination. It can manifest as replaying conversations, worrying intensely, or repeating sounds/words (echolalia) as a way to process or self-regulate.
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.
The three main symptom areas for Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are persistent difficulties with social communication and interaction, restricted or repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities, and often, different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention, all of which impact daily functioning. These core characteristics vary greatly but center on social connection challenges, rigid routines or repetitive actions, and sensory sensitivities.
Others may choose not to seek an assessment but to continue to self-identify. 'Self-diagnosis', 'self-identification', or 'self-ID' are all terms used when an individual identifies themselves as being autistic without having a formal clinical diagnosis.
Clinicians who encountered autism in the 1950s and 1960s called it by many names. Among them were Kanner's syndrome (named after Leo Kanner), early infantile autism, hyperkinetic disease, and Heller's disease (based on 1908 description by Austrian educator Theodor Heller), also known as dementia infantilis.
Yes, you can absolutely be neurodivergent and not autistic; neurodiversity is a broad umbrella term for natural variations in brain function that includes many conditions beyond autism, such as ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, Tourette's, OCD, and bipolar disorder. While autism is a type of neurodivergence, not all neurodivergent people are autistic, as neurodivergence encompasses many different ways of thinking, learning, and interacting with the world.
ASD Level 1: Requiring Support
Level 1 is the mildest, or “highest functioning” form of autism, which includes those who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Individuals with ASD level 1 may have difficulty understanding social cues and may struggle to form and maintain personal relationships.