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"I am Autistic" / "They are Autistic" vs "I have Autism" / "They have Autism"

NAS90609

I recently felt the need to correct someone for describing one of their colleague's children as 'having autism' - as opposed to 'being autistic' - but since then I've noticed a lot more examples of people describing others and themselves as 'having autism' so I'm starting to wonder if it's just a matter of personal preference or whether it's a regional difference or an Americanism that's spread - or whether it's another example of a lack of awareness of what autism is?

Thoughts?

Parents

  • Hi, I think it is a matter of personal preference. I prefer, I am autistic, to say that I have autism sounds as if I’ve got something like the flu, as if I’ve contracted something.

    It can be interpreted in different ways, I wouldn’t say I am cancerous, I would say, I have cancer. Another example is I am catholic, I wouldn’t say , I have Catholicism. For me I’m just happy with, Im autistic. It’s short and to the point. Im sure there will be different views and all are valid.

Reply

  • Hi, I think it is a matter of personal preference. I prefer, I am autistic, to say that I have autism sounds as if I’ve got something like the flu, as if I’ve contracted something.

    It can be interpreted in different ways, I wouldn’t say I am cancerous, I would say, I have cancer. Another example is I am catholic, I wouldn’t say , I have Catholicism. For me I’m just happy with, Im autistic. It’s short and to the point. Im sure there will be different views and all are valid.

Children