I work directly with people who have autism and their families and I can tell you from experience that theu certainly dont like “being autistic” to define them, or definie who they are. Mama bear I will speak for you I will fight for you autism awareness Also, it’s just a bit more politically correct than the other. You dont say Dementia people, or anything like that, do you?

Mama bear I will speak for you I will fight for you autism awareness tee

I disagree asthmatic people autistic people I think it is personal preference it is an adjective no need to make it any more. Diabetic coeliac ! Most times it is something you cannot remove from the person . For me with autism is the same. Has autism makes me think has the flu whereas autistic it is part of them. Totally self choice though. those you work with dont represent the whole of the autism community by a long shot. Mama bear I will speak for you I will fight for you autism awareness I live with my son and his autism everyday. I say autistic. Most of the people I know on spectrum refer to themselves as autistic as well. Using an adjective to describe doesnt necessarily define. You may choose to use whatever you like, but dont become so disillusioned thinking you know it all, and know what everyone with autism prefers. Im glad you work in our community, but try living it. Now, pardon me as I tiptoe out.

Welcome to the new collection

Using the term “autistic person” varies person to person. Many people identify that way and embrace it, so that term is fine to use. However if you do not know the person, it is always safe to use “person with autism”.

While those in the field are trained to use person first language, things are a little different in the autistic community. My son prefers autistic, he says hearing that “he has autism” makes it feel like something he is carrying or can get rid of but it is in every part of who he is. Many autistic advocates request identity first language and it is respectful to honor that. I aim for person centered language, in that if it is necessary for me to label I simply ask the person what their wishes are. If communication is not possible I defer to person first language per my training.