• Replies 8 replies
  • Subscribers 33 subscribers
  • Views 1250 views
  • Users 0 members are here
Options
Hints and tips
  • To quote someone's message, first select/highlight the relevant text, and then use the Quote button that appears
  • To "mention" someone, type @ followed by the start of the forum name, and choose from the list; that person will get a notification of being mentioned

How do you describe yourself?

Alan

Hello everyone, hope you can help me. I've found myself in an exchange of views with someone (suspect neurotypical) over the use of the term "autie". I'm sure I've seen it used in a postive way by #ActuallyAutistic people on Facebook and Twitter, to describe themselves and fellow autisitic people. However, this person claims that some autistic people find it hurtful. But I would like to know what do you think of it?

  • I am autistic, I prefer to be called autistic as opposed to other terms like ‘autie’ because I am very proud and happy to be autistic and it describes my identity perfectly.

    ’Autie’ is intended to be a neutral term and I assume its an abbreviation of autistic. I don’t particularly see why the term would be offensive.

  • It sounds ok to me. I haven't heard it before but as long as it's not offensive or insulting I'm ok with it.

  • Not heard of Autie before but not keen on it, quite a harsh sounding word. Aspie sounds a bit patronising to me but I'm not by any means upset by either of them. 

  • in reply to NAS79256

    Likewise, not heard the term.

  • Well ... I have never heard that before but personally I don't like the word! I don't like the way it is written (the way it looks and the spelling), or the sound of it (either said out loud or even thought about). So, I am biased against the word regardless of it's meaning and would therefore definitely never use it. Some words I just don't like. 

  • in reply to Alan

    "Autie" is just short for autistic. Some people don’t like the term autistic for the same reasons she said that autie is hurtful.  This could well be a situation where a neurotypical got offended on behalf of autistic people.

  • I have asked other autistic friends and they would be interested to know how it hurts people? The only negative association they could think with that term is in regards to people who think that we're broken and disordered, which is far more hurtful.

  • I've seen it used and similar to 'aspie', not sure why it would be hurtful though many mind fight it patronising maybe if said to them, so maybe its that.