Exploring the evolving language of autism, the importance of accurate terms, biases, and misunderstandings. Choosing positive language to cultivate informed perspectives.
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Quick takeaways
The podcast emphasizes the evolving terminology within the autistic community, reflecting on the emotional weight attached to various labels and the quest for more inclusive language.
Addressing misconceptions and biases, the podcast underscores the importance of debunking stereotypes and fostering a deeper understanding of autism while acknowledging the diversity among individuals on the spectrum.
Deep dives
Evolution of Autism Terminology
The podcast delves into the varied names used to reference autism, ranging from Asperger's Syndrome to Autism Spectrum Disorder, highlighting the evolving nature of terminology within the autistic community. The speaker emphasizes the significance of language in portraying an accurate and positive representation of individuals on the autism spectrum. Terms like Aspie, Aot, and Neurodivergent are discussed, underscoring the emotional weight attached to different labels and the ongoing quest for more inclusive and respectful language.
Challenges in Perception and Understanding of Autism
The podcast addresses the misconceptions and biases surrounding autism, attributing much of the misinformation to flawed scientific research. It emphasizes the importance of debunking stereotypes and fostering a deeper understanding of autism beyond preconceived notions. The speaker acknowledges the diversity among individuals on the autism spectrum while highlighting common traits that unite them. Despite the negative connotations associated with terms like Asperger's, the podcast seeks to provide a platform for authentic and informative discussions on autism.
Autism is known by a number of different names. I chose to use the word “aspergers” because it is a term that combines a number of traits common to this brain wiring. Autism is called autism spectrum disorder, aspergers syndrome, high functioning autism, low functioning autism, neurological development disorder. We hear that someone is on the spectrum, is autistic, is a person with autism, is an autistic person, is neurodiverse. Other words are used in discussions about autism like Aspie, Aut, differently wired, neurodivergent, neurotypical, allistic, ableist and more.
Terminology is evolving and some words have a great deal of emotional content for some. I do recognize that although each person is different there are some traits we have in common. To make it clear that the podcast is focused on those of us with aspergers syndrome, I used that in the name of the podcast. That word has fallen out of favor within the autistic community as we work toward language that is accurate and positive. The word aspergers has developed a negative connotation because of concerns about its origin.
It seems that many of the terms used to describe autistics and autism are emotionally charged. It’s understandable considering the bias and prejudice that exists which is based on a lack of knowledge about the true nature of autism. Unfortunately much of the disinformation and faulty conclusions about autism and autistics comes from some scientific research.
The name of the podcast has changed — find out why here!
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