Autism Terminology

By Lexi Campbell, Taproot Therapy Clinical Trainee

Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that impacts how people communicate, experience, and interact with the world around them (National Autistic Society, 2025). Autism is also a spectrum condition, meaning that it affects people in different ways. The majority of Autism self-advocates (or individuals with suspected or diagnosed Autism who work to advance the disability rights movement with regard to Autism) prefer identity-first language to describe their experience and dislike euphemisms of “differently-abled,” “special,” “handi-cappable” or “person with Autism” (Price, 2022; Autistic Self Advocacy Network, 2025). Identity-first language is preferred because naming the disability shows clear awareness and respect of the lived experience and the challenges which come with it. Autism-self advocates feel person-first language, or statements like “person with Autism,” softens and distances the Autistic experience in a manner that makes neurotypical individuals feel more comfortable— and contributes to persistent stigma that the word Autism is something to distance yourself from (Price, 2022; Autistic Self Advocacy Network, 2025). Additionally, advocates argue person-first language, such as “person with Autism,” suggests the Autistic individual can be separated from their Autism; Autism self-advocates state that Autism is a complex and deeply integrated aspect of an individual’s identity and experience which cannot, nor should be, separate from their personhood (Autistic Self Advocacy Network, 2025). 

Below is common terminology do’s and don’ts that are advocated for by the Autistic community. While the below are suggestions that emphasize the typical preferences of the Autistic community, please know that each Autistic person may also have individual preferences that may or may not align with these suggestions. Please check in with Autistic individuals that you engage with and ask directly about how they speak about Autism and their personal preferences for terminology. 

Autism Terminology: Common Do’s and Don’ts (Price, 2022)

References
Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN). (2025). Identity-First Language. https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/identity-first-language/
National Autistic Society. (2025). What is Autism? https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism
Price, D. (2022). Unmasking Autism: Discovering the New Faces of Neurodiversity. Harmony Books. ​