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Let's create another term to describe us.

Blue

I have been participating in group meetings' on zoom.  We have been trying to develop a social engagement event for an autism social group for those aged over 18+ . however we have come across a difficulty in how we reach the target audience of who the events for. We really dislike the term 'high functioning' because how medical professionals have used and feel it does not fit as some of us have days when we copying and other days where we not copying so much.

We also do not want the social engagement to be taken over by careers of autistic individuals or those with intellectual disabilities. Because the main purpose of this social group is to combat the loneliness and to create a support network through creating friendships amongst those on the autism spectrum who are often forgotten about and expected to just assimilate.

What I am asking is how you would label or categorize autism that doesn't occurs with intellectual disability other than high functioning ? 

Please get a creative as you like.  

Parents

  • I can see how it might cause difficulties in reaching your target audience, given the lack of clarity out there about what is and isn't autism.  But I'd just continue to use "autistic" because I think it's the automatic assumptions about co-occurring conditions that need to be challenged.   

  • in reply to Jenny Butterfly

    So should we continue to use the words "Autistic without intellectual disability" to advertise to our demographic. because if we said just "Autistic" are demographic will not show up and assume it the social groups is for those with autism and intellectual disabilities. 

    Another fear that a few of the group members on the zoom meeting have mentioned that their scared that if we not exact with are wording it will open the group to careers of autistic individuals with intectral disabilities and those with autism with intellectual disabilities and will result in are intended demographic being discriminated again as not being autistic enough and pushed out of the social group which has previously happened.      

  • in reply to Blue

    It's difficult, as my own experiences have shown me.  But I would probably just continue to use the word "autistic" then use the group description to be more specific about the group's purpose. The more detailed explanation of the group's activities would also help to draw people in.  So it depends on how much space you've got.  

    If it is council-run with a development worker, then presumably other groups for carers and for those with learning disabilities can be promoted at the same time, to differentiate and signpost appropriately.   

    I don't think we need a new name.  We need to correct the assumption that autism and LD automatically go together.  

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  • in reply to Blue

    It's difficult, as my own experiences have shown me.  But I would probably just continue to use the word "autistic" then use the group description to be more specific about the group's purpose. The more detailed explanation of the group's activities would also help to draw people in.  So it depends on how much space you've got.  

    If it is council-run with a development worker, then presumably other groups for carers and for those with learning disabilities can be promoted at the same time, to differentiate and signpost appropriately.   

    I don't think we need a new name.  We need to correct the assumption that autism and LD automatically go together.  

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