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Does "Autist" offend you?

moon

I often refer to myself as an "Autist" and would not be at all concerned if anyone else called me it either (assuming it was done without malice).

For some reason the word really appeals to me - it just fits!

A therapist suggested that saying "an autistic person" would be more inclusive.

Are there offensive connotations to the word "Autist"?

Parents

  • I feel like there may be a general problem with how language is received. Being from the States, there does appear to be much more awareness in the UK in general - to a degree. Much of what I've learned has been from research here rather than what might be available in the US. Or at least in the locations I've been (perhaps a few states have better understanding). At this point, being on the Spectrum seems to generate a more welcome response from humans who know me in the US. Autistic seems too broad and general and only applied to individuals in need of much more assistance, in my experience. Unless, one is in a professional field. 

    I find all introductions and identifications valid. But having spent so many years feeling like my words just go right through someone, can see the importance of being more specific with language. I'd rather be over-articulate and somewhat uninteresting than have someone I'm trying to communicate with think how nice and poetic and mysterious I am! Small chuckle. 

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  • I feel like there may be a general problem with how language is received. Being from the States, there does appear to be much more awareness in the UK in general - to a degree. Much of what I've learned has been from research here rather than what might be available in the US. Or at least in the locations I've been (perhaps a few states have better understanding). At this point, being on the Spectrum seems to generate a more welcome response from humans who know me in the US. Autistic seems too broad and general and only applied to individuals in need of much more assistance, in my experience. Unless, one is in a professional field. 

    I find all introductions and identifications valid. But having spent so many years feeling like my words just go right through someone, can see the importance of being more specific with language. I'd rather be over-articulate and somewhat uninteresting than have someone I'm trying to communicate with think how nice and poetic and mysterious I am! Small chuckle. 

Children
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