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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

  • No, not a dialectical variation - choice which sparks controversy.

    Personally, it's identity first language all the way for me. I am Autistic in the same way I am a woman, I am British or I am a Spritualist. I have or suffer with IBS. IBS is an ailment I'd rather I didn't have. Autism is an intrinsic attribute of me I am happy with.

    But to be fair many people see Autism as a misfortune or illness simply because they have little knowledge and are happy to be better informed if you offer that politely in the right spirit. What is more troubling is that many professionals have been actively taught that person first language is the more respectful: see the person, their Autism is just an adjunct. Since they are running our services, it is their view that is more important to correct.

Reply

  • No, not a dialectical variation - choice which sparks controversy.

    Personally, it's identity first language all the way for me. I am Autistic in the same way I am a woman, I am British or I am a Spritualist. I have or suffer with IBS. IBS is an ailment I'd rather I didn't have. Autism is an intrinsic attribute of me I am happy with.

    But to be fair many people see Autism as a misfortune or illness simply because they have little knowledge and are happy to be better informed if you offer that politely in the right spirit. What is more troubling is that many professionals have been actively taught that person first language is the more respectful: see the person, their Autism is just an adjunct. Since they are running our services, it is their view that is more important to correct.

Children
  • in reply to Dawn

    I have only been sure I was on the spectrum for a couple of years, so I am not quite sure how I feel about the descriptors. But I agree with you about it not being something I suffer from so much as it is just how my brain is wired, like my body is female. I have arthritis, I suffer from it, there are no upsides. Autism has ups and down and neutrals. I suffer from poor executive function. I enjoy hyperfocus. My hypersensitivity can be useful in early detection of gas leaks or enjoyable in noticing birdsong or the fleeting scent of lilac on a cycle ride or negative in causing needlephobia or being unable to enjoy my food when that woman on the next table has really strong perfume. I think autism can be beneficial to society as we are likely to be the inventors or composers etc and we often have a strong sense of fairness.

    I like the word autist as a descriptor as it sounds like artist and doesn't have that slightly negative feel of an -ic word like spastic or arthritic. But I am OK with calling myself autistic or saying I have autism, just as I will say I am arthritic or I have arthritis, I am physically disabled or I have a physical disability. I will even call myself a cripple but am not mad keen on others doing so! It depends on the context. As for identity though, I do not regard arthritis a part of my identity although it is an important thing about my body which has to be taken into account. But I do think autism is part of my identity as it seems to intrinsic to how I think and feel and be.