Neuroaffirmative language: Say this, not that
What's the best way to talk about autism? Our short guide will explain.
Published 6 May 2025. Written by Leeds Autism Practice Staff.
Words are powerful. The way we talk about each other has a huge effect on how accepted, confident and understood we feel. Affirmative language makes us feel empowered and stigmatising language makes us feel excluded.
We believe that autistic individuals should be accepted and valued within society. If you believe that too, here is a short guide to neuroaffirmative language.
Autism, not ASD
Much of the autistic community does not consider autism a disorder. Therefore, the term "autism spectrum disorder" is not appropriate.
Also, it is just quicker and easier to say autism.
Autistic, not has autism
The autistic community overwhelmingly favour identity-first language over person-first language. This means saying "autistic person" rather than "person with autism".
We have a whole article on why this is the case.
Neurotype, not disorder
Autism is a neurotype and one of many. Other neurotypes include ADHD and neurotypical. All neurotypes have potential strengths and limitations.
Using this language positions all neurotypes as equally recognised and valued, rather than promoting one as the "correct" one and others as a disorder.
Neurotypical, not normal
Neurotypical is the neurotype that most people are. That said, identification rates are climbing and this may not be the case forever.
Another term useful to note here is allistic which means someone who is not autistic.
Characteristics, not symptoms
If we accept that autistic people are equal, we then need a term to refer to the way autism presents in that individual. Here we can use characteristics.
Characteristics of autism may include differences in social communication, eye contact, creativity and sensory profiles.
Differences, not deficits
Similar to above, we use the term differences rather than deficits because research now shows that autistic individuals are not deficient but are simply different from neurotypical individuals.
Let's take communication of empathy as an example. Neurotypical people find it easier to read other neurotypical people. And autistic people find it easier to read other autistic people. Both find it harder to read a different neurotype, which we call a cross-neurotype interaction.
A French speaker is not deficient in language if they speak French rather than English: they just speak a different language.
Support needs, not functioning
Previous classifications of autism used the terms low-functioning and high-functioning. This language is too simplistic to be meaningful and creates unfair standards on individuals labelled "high-functioning" and unfair biases against individuals labelled as "low-functioning".
Everyone has areas in their lives where they flourish and areas in their lives where they benefit from additional support. Therefore, any talk of support needs should be specific to that area of their life.
Passions, not fixations
One of the strengths of autistic individuals is they can often engage in their passions on a very deep and meaningful level, in a way that neurotypical individuals often cannot.
Historically, this has been labelled as "fixations" or "special interests" but both of these terms are stigmatising and therefore, we use the term passions to identify these areas of high engagement.
Conclusion
Language is very important because the way we use words can empower or oppress groups of people. By adopting neuroaffirmative language, we can validate, accept and support autistic individuals.