Make a Difference--Promote Respectful Language

Item 2. in our 10 Ways to Make a Difference (and a theme in several recent posts here) is "Watch your language."

Negative, disempowering, or pity-oriented language can hurt the feelings and self-worth of people on the spectrum and their families and friends. Even people who may have difficulty expressing themselves often can understand receptively what is said around and about them--it is a false assumption that autistic people "don't understand" when called a "retard," a "victim," or a "burden." These words indeed cause "suffering."

The National Center on Disability and Journalism gives the following guideline regarding the use of pity oriented language:

Afflicted with (also see "stricken with," "suffers from," "victim of") These terms come with the assumption that a person with a disability is in fact suffering or living a reduced quality of life. Instead, use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability. Not every person with a disability "suffers," is a "victim" or "stricken." Instead simply state the facts about the nature of the person's disability.

The United Spinal Association puts out a free pamphlet on Disability Etiquette which is used widely by service organizations in the U.S. like Vocational Rehabilitation. Again, the same directive is given:

With any disability, avoid negative, disempowering words, like "victim" or "sufferer."

This is not about "being PC" or hiding the reality of disability behind candy-coated words. It's OK to be direct: I have a diagnosis of autism and of apraxia of speech. That's it--no name calling, no value judgements necessary. It is possible to talk about autism (or any disability) honestly without being dehumanizing and derogatory.

One of the biggest--and easiest!--ways you can make a difference in the lives of autistic people right now is to pledge to promote respectful language to us, about us, and around us. Avoid pity-oriented terms, don't use "the R-word" (retard), and always ask yourself: "How would I feel if someone said this about me?" before speaking or writing about autism. And encourage others to do the same. If you're feeling especially spunky, write to journalists and editors who use pity oriented language and point them toward the National Center on Disability and Journalism guidelines (the full guideline is free for download after registering on the site).

Please take the pledge to encourage respectful language today!