How to talk about autism:
Describing someone as a “person with autism” can be likened to referring to someone as a “person with a headache.” Autism should not be viewed as a separate entity from the autistic person, but rather as an inherent aspect of their identity, similar to being a woman. Just as we wouldn’t say “person with womanhood,” it is more fitting to use the term “woman”.
X person with autism -> autistic, autistic person
X high-functioning, low-functioning -> has specific support needs
X at risk of being autistic -> may be autistic
X autism disorder -> autistic, autism
X normal person -> non-autistic, allistic
How to talk about autism from Rae Sabine
