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Is "autist" offensive?

Bunny

The suggestion in this article is that use of the term is "outdated at best and offensive at worst":

https://www.autismparentingmagazine.com/is-autists-offensive/

Some other notable comments from the article:

"Today, “autist” is rarely used by researchers, doctors, or autistic people themselves—but it can be found in edgy online spaces." 

"Because it’s often used in poor taste in modern Internet culture, I would avoid it unless someone with autism specifically tells you it’s his/her preferred term."

Re Wall Street Bets (which seemingly brought the term back into modern usage, with the opposite meaning to how they used “retards”): "The guide doesn’t explain how this terminology developed, but it’s probably rooted in the stereotype that every person with autism is a high-functioning, obsessive expert on certain topics, or even a savant-level genius."

Personally, I don't like it. For some reason, it irritates me. Having learned more about its modern usage, it now also feels either derogatory (when used by others) or too snobbish and aligned with "Aspie supremacy"-style thinking. I prefer "autistic person" or just “autistic” which can also be used as a noun.

Parents

  • Oh dear, this is another re-hash of one of the "impossible topics."

    It is impossible to use a single term that satisfies every autistic person.

    I do use autist out of choice.  I am sorry that you, and some others, inevitably, don't like it.  

    I believe the term "autist" is not generally deemed overtly rude or offence.

    I believe the terms "snobbish" and "Aspie supremacy" are deemed overtly rude and offensive.

  • in reply to Deleted User
    Unknown said:
    I believe the terms "snobbish" and "Aspie supremacy" are deemed overtly rude and offensive.

    I seem to have upset you, which wasn’t my intention. Please accept my apologies. My use of those terms in my post was in the context of the explanations in the linked article. No personal insult was intended towards you or anyone else here.

    Unknown said:
    Oh dear, this is another re-hash of one of the "impossible topics."

    I’m also sorry if my having raised this topic bores or annoys you. Again, that’s not my intention.

    Whilst I’ve obviously been autistic for all of my life, I only came to learn that fact relatively recently.

    I’ve learned a lot about the subject over the last couple of years, and am still learning. One of the things that I try very hard to do is to use language as precisely and accurately as I can, and not to cause offence to others (either intentionally or unintentionally).

    My reason for inviting views from others here about this particular term stems from that interest and concern. For me, it isn’t a re-hash; I haven’t personally come across any discussions of this subject before.

  • in reply to Bunny

    I am sorry if you feel you have upset me.....you have not........so no need to apologise.

    The extreme dissonance in your "original" post (as below) did seem fair and reasonable to point out though?

    Can you see the dissonance yourself?

    I referred to this as an "impossible topic" because it is one that can readily descend into word ping-pong and become hijacked by various opposing cultural warrior camps.  For the record, I belong in no ones tent so I do find "impossible topics" fearful!  There is no "right answer", so let's keep it polite....is always my only hope.

    Again, you have neither bored nor irritated me by raising the topic, but yes, this word salad about how we can/should/must refer to ourselves has often been discussed here over the years.....and it has often deteriorated relations here.

    For the record - my first response above related to your "original posted comment" as follows;

  • in reply to Bunny

    Good to know.  Thank you.

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