Autism Acceptance Month – Day 14 – Identity Language

Identity first language is me saying “I’m Autistic“. When I was first learning about autism a couple of years ago, I would sometimes use “aspie” as a sort of short hand. I no longer do that though, as I have made it one of my life goals to help change how the word “autistic” is seen and used. Aspergers/Aspie is also used by a lot of people much like a functioning label to say that they are better then those “Autistics”. This is why I don’t use that term. Lastly, I am not a “Person with Autism”, as it’s not something that can be removed or changed. I will always be Autistic.

I think us Autistics need to reclaim how “autistic” is used. I still hear it being used as an insult. Additionally, there are still some people who think “autistic” means low functioning and “aspergers” means high functioning, which is simply inaccurate.

Click here to learn more about Identity-First Language!

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