I'm curious—how do we feel about any/all of the following labels? Are we ok with them? Offended by them? Have attitudes changed at all recently? I've noticed we don't all use the same vocabulary here.
• on the spectrum
• ASD
• has autism
• with autism
• is autistic
• Autistic
• Autist
@benetnasch@JeremyMallin@actuallyautistic I would really rather start talking about autistic traits on their own spectra rather than lumping them all into one word. That they trend together can easily, and probably more accurately tracked.
@JeremyMallin Being 'newly realised' I have no problem being 'on the spectrum' , or with ASD. I am happily autistic (beats being a misfit), and recognise the harm that using camouflage for many decades of my life has done to me. I have done enough 'fitting in'. I will not concern myself with how others wish to view, or describe, themselves. As far as I can see, everyone is on an individual journey, but travel with others on similar paths of the spectrum at different stages of the infinity loop. #AutisticElder@actuallyautistic
Ambivalent. It does seem to be the case that there are some autistic folk who have such low functioning that it does present itself as a disorder. I'm talking about those that are more likely to live in a facility and such.
has autism
with autism
Makes it sounds like a disease or illness. Meh.
is autistic
autistic
Good, what should be the default
autist
Kind of split on this one as it has been heavily used by 4chan (and those influenced by that culture) to be a slur. "You fucking autist" towards people and things that aren't related to someone autistic at all or if it is, its meant to be derogatory. In small friend groups (all of whom are autistic) we have used the term in a joking but loving way. "I'm an autist!". Could be reclaimed potentially.
I have used all of them rather interchangeably over the last 15 years, except the last one because it sounds rather goofy to me and I can't say or write it with a straight face.
• on the spectrum; a euphemism used by people who think "autism" is a dirty word.
• ASD; eh, it has its place, I guess. Is there an allistics spectrum disorder?
• has autism; like I keep autism on a keychain?
• with autism; see above.
• is autistic; 👍
• Autistic; 👍
• Autist; makes it sound like a hobby or occupation. Like cellist or machinist. Like it's something you do, an action you carry out.
@JeremyMallin
I don't have any issues with any of them tbh. If people use them with respect, then it's all OK. I use the same bits for myself as well. Or I use AuDHD as im hyper as well 😉. @actuallyautistic
@JeremyMallin@actuallyautistic the only ones I really dislike are "with autism", because it's not an accessory I carry, and I'm not fond of the D disorder. Autistic is fine, I do realize that will be changed eventually too.
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