Autistic Adult or Adult with Autism? Why?

Undiagnosed but....

There is a lovely saying in India thus: "same-same but different" that has always made me feel good.

Very beautiful indeed.

I’m only asking because some feel that “Autistic Adult” gives the feeling that Autism defines you whereas Adult with Autism sort of puts the Adult first. So I wondered what people thought.

Whereas "Adult with Autism" makes me think that the person doesn't like the fact that I'm autistic. I'd never call a man "an adult with manhood" because being a man is not shameful. It is a big part of someone's identity - not the WHOLE identity, but part of it.

And of course, some people don't feel like having autism or manhood is part of their identity, and that's fine too

Whereas "Adult with Autism" makes me think that the person doesn't like the fact that I'm autistic. I'd never call a man "an adult with manhood" because being a man is not shameful. It is a big part of someone's identity - not the WHOLE identity, but part of it.

And of course, some people don't feel like having autism or manhood is part of their identity, and that's fine too