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How do you prefer to define it?

odd.avocaddo

Hi everyone, I've been doing some research about autism during a few weeks now and I developed a question.

I've read that in some places they define it as a "neurodevelopmental disorder" and others say, as for example this organization, it's "a lifelong developmental disability...".  How do you feel regarding the word disability? Do you prefer to call it a disorder or a disability? And why? Do you prefer another way of calling it? I would genuinely love to know. 

My hope is to gather information as realistic as it can be so I can start advocating for autism in the near future. Thanks to all of you. You're great humans!

 

Parents

  • Medical professionals and diagnostic manuals often use the term “disorder” when describing autism. This language reflects a medical focus on diagnosing and categorising conditions based on difficulties or impairments. However, many autistic people find the word “disorder” harmful because it implies that being autistic means something is “wrong” or “broken”. Autism isn’t about being broken, it’s about our brains are just wired differently, and this can lead to some huge strengths, but also challenges. Imagine where the world would be at without autistic people!

    When it comes to the term “disability”, my views is that opinions are more varied. In law, autism is recognised as a disability under laws like the Equality Act in the UK. This is important because it provides access to protections, accommodations, and services that can help manage barriers autistic people face. However, some argue that autism itself isn’t inherently disabling.  Rather, it’s the way society is structured that creates the challenges. 

    Personally, I dislike the word “disorder” because it makes it sound as if autism is a defect. I’m comfortable with autism being called a disability because there will likely never be a world without barriers that disable autistic people. For example, sensory processing issues, communication differences, and executive functioning challenges can be significant in environments not designed with neurodivergence in mind.

    When describing myself I often use “neurodivergent” or “neurological condition”. But everyone’s experience and preferences are different, and you’ll find a wide range of opinions in the autistic community.

    Good luck with your research and advocacy work! Slight smile

  • in reply to Andy

    Hi again Andy, thanks for the reply and your perspective. I think I agree with you, exactly as you said here

    Andy said:
    I dislike the word “disorder” because it makes it sound as if autism is a defect.

    I will keep you posted about new questions or findings. 

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