Autism Glossary

What are the latest definitions of autism terms? What are the words and phrases that show respect for the autistic community? Refer to this autistic-approved autism glossary of terms and list of acceptable language when talking or writing about autism.

Autism Glossary of Terms

autism spectrum disorder:

A neurological and developmental condition involving a wide range of delays, difficulties, and differences related to social interaction, communication, and restricted or repetitive behaviors.

neurodiversity:

The concept that differences in brain “wiring” — including conditions such as autism, ADHD, and dyslexia — are not defective but the result of natural variation in the human genome. Atypical thinking styles are recognized as valuable sources of insight, creativity and innovation.

disability:

A condition of the mind or body that necessitates additional support or  accommodations in daily life. Disability is more than a diagnosis — it is the complex web of social and cultural barriers created by a society that was not designed for those with atypical brains and bodies.

disabled:

A form of identity-first language commonly used by those who view disability as a neutral trait.

Asperger syndrome or Asperger’s Syndrome:

Previously considered a distinct form of autism defined by normal IQ and lack of early speech delay. Today, individuals with these traits are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. Although it is no longer used in new cases, many people who were originally diagnosed with Asperger’s continue to use it as a marker of community and personal identity.

developmental disability:

A group of lifelong disabilities beginning in childhood that cause delays or limitations in areas such as learning, mobility, communication, self-care, and overall independence.

ally:

Someone belonging to a majority or privileged social group who works against the oppression of disadvantaged groups. An ally does not speak for that group or claim to know what is best for them; instead, they empower those within the community by amplifying their voices and ideas.

stimming:

Repetitive sounds, words, or movements (i.e., spinning, rocking, humming) that create sensory input as a means of self-soothing

sensory processing:

The brain’s ability to take in raw sensory input from the environment and create meaning out of it

meltdown:

A sudden, intense emotional release caused by a buildup of overwhelming anxiety, emotion, or sensory experiences. Meltdowns and tantrums are fundamentally different in that a tantrum is an attempt to manipulate, while a meltdown is outside the person’s control.

functioning labels:

A means of splitting the autism spectrum into a “high-functioning” group and a “low-functioning” group. Intended as a simple way to describe an individual, functioning labels are harmful in practice because they write off the needs of some and abilities of others, limiting access to both services and education opportunities.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP):

A document detailing the personalized educational goals and supports for students who receive special education services.

self-advocate:

A person with a disability who speaks up about their wishes, needs, and rights. Some self-advocates take on a public role in order to educate others about their condition and/or promoting disability rights.

presume competence:

The belief that, with the right supports in place, every individual has the capacity to understand and potential to succeed. Often used in the context of supporting those with limited or no speech: Those who have found success with alternative methods of communication often describe a disconnect between their minds and bodies. “Presume competence” summarizes their conviction that lack of speech should not be viewed as a sign of low intelligence—it is safer to assume they have not found a method of communication that meets their needs.

ableism:

Discrimination on the basis of disability. In some cases, ableism is overt, such as the denial of life-saving organ transplants and the vast rates of unemployment among autistic adults. Ableist attitudes are often more-subtle, but they are pervasive in our society.

• Many organizations highlight the voices of professionals and family members over those of disabled people, resulting in fundraising and other advocacy campaigns that work against the goals of those they purport to serve.
• News stories about typical kids who have disabled friends or prom dates turn friendship into an act of charity. They suggest that it takes an unusually kind person with unique skills to love/befriend a disabled person.
• Stories that portray someone as inspirational solely because of their disability reinforce harmful ideas — that life with a disability is inherently difficult and unhappy, that disabled people are “not like us,” and that their lives less worth living.

ABA therapy:

A controversial form of behavior therapy developed by Ivar Lovaas, who believed that teaching autistic children to behave like their typical peers will make them less autistic. Young children spend up to 40 hours per week under a rigid reward-and-punishment system. Autistic adults who underwent intensive ABA as children report lasting harm from programs that prioritize normalization at the expense of play and leisure time, personal autonomy, and emotional well-being.

hidden curriculum:

The implicit rules and motives underlying social situations. While neurotypical people learn these through experience, autistic people often struggle to pick up on, apply, and make sense of these unspoken rules.

Autism Words and Phrases to Avoid

(And a Better Way to Say Them)

The way we talk about autism has a significant impact on how we view autism and how well we understand autistic people. Much of our current language comes from medical and educational circles — with little to no input from the people they serve. Other terms have become problematic over time as words shift in meaning and views on disability evolve.

The words we choose can be the difference between silencing the voices of autistic people and empowering them to lead conversations about their needs, their rights, and the way society views them.

The following terms reflect the preferences of most self-advocates, but they should not be viewed as the only acceptable options. In one-on-one interactions, allies to the autistic community can show respect by deferring to the language preferences of that individual.

Symptoms of autism — defines autism based solely on deficits
BETTER CHOICE→ Signs of autism or autistic traits

Retarded — an offensive and demeaning term no longer accepted in education, medicine, legal documents, or informal interactions
BETTER CHOICE→ Intellectual disability

Handicapped — once considered an appropriate way to refer to disabilities. It is rarely used in any modern context due to its association with mistreatment of disabled people based on outdated ideas. (Note: The widespread claim that handicapped arose as a pejorative for disabled people who had to beg to survive is historically inaccurate.)
BETTER CHOICE→ Disabled

Differently-abled or special needs — used as a substitute for disabled by those who consider it an offensive word; self-advocates believe euphemisms add to stigma by presenting disability as a topic that should be avoided or talked around
BETTER CHOICE→ Disability or disabled

Autism Awareness — a widespread campaign that promotes autism as a tragedy and autistic people as a drain on society
BETTER CHOICE→ Autism Acceptance

Suffers from autism — adds to stigma by inaccurately implying that autism makes for a lesser life experience
BETTER CHOICE→ Autistic or on the autism spectrum

Affected by autism or living with autism — often used by writers and speakers who believe these terms to be neutral, these terms have the same connotations as person-first language: they falsely imply that autism is a separate entity when, in reality, the way the brain is wired is part of how the person experiences the world.
BETTER CHOICE→ On the autism spectrum or on the spectrum

Download a PDF version of the Autism Glossary

Autism glossary researched and written by Lydia Wayman