Why better language about Autism can improve lives

A number of researchers from Australia and New Zealand are pushing for changes to the language used about Autism, to empower the Autistic community and reduce stigma.

A number of researchers from Australia and New Zealand are pushing for changes to the language used about Autism, to empower the Autistic community and reduce stigma. Credit: Pexels / Polina Kovaleva

Key Points

• Researchers hope the use of more inclusive terminology will better describe Autism as a neurological difference, rather than a problem that needs fixing.
• They launched a research paper titled, 'The use of language in Autism research', that gives a guide for words to use to describe Autism.
• The guidelines also include removing the use of what could be offensive phrases and offering replacement terms.

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