Why is autism called different things?
![Some people with autism spectrum disorder prefer person-first language, while others use identity-first language. [Source: Shutterstock]](https://agedcareguide-assets.imgix.net/news/articles/wp/autismman2001.jpg?fm=pjpg)
What’s the difference between autism, autism spectrum disorder, ASD and Asperger’s syndrome?
Key points:
- As the National Autism Strategy was recently announced, some Australians may be curious about the difference in language used to describe people with autism spectrum disorder
- Understanding the differences between person-first and identity-first language is important, as is respecting each person’s preference
- Approximately one in 40 people in Australia have ASD as per recent estimates from Autism Spectrum Australia
The Australian Government recently announced the new National Autism Strategy, which is expected to improve the lives of people with autism spectrum disorder, also known as ASD.
However, people may disagree on how to refer to someone with ASD, highlighting the importance of discussing the differences between person-first and identity-first language.
Person-first language is often used to emphasise a person with disability is not defined by their disability, i.e. they prefer to refer to themselves as a ‘person with disability’ and would rather express other parts of their identity.
For example, someone who prefers person-first language would refer to themselves as a ‘person with autism spectrum disorder,’ rather than an ‘autistic person.’
The Disability Support Guide team uses person-first language when discussing ASD because this condition is described as a ‘spectrum’ — people diagnosed with ASD may require different support level needs and have varied skills. Using this language also puts the person before their disability.
ASD usually presents in childhood and the main challenges of a person living with ASD may include social interaction, communication, sensory processing difficulties and restricted interests and behaviours. Read more about ASD in this Disability Support Guide: What is autism?
People with ASD can present differently, despite having the same official diagnosis. The term ‘Asperger’s syndrome’ is now outdated. However, it was previously often used to describe a person with ASD who had above-average intelligence or talent in an area of interest, but experienced challenges related to interacting with others.
In 2013, when the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders was released, the diagnosis of ‘Asperger’s syndrome’ was excluded. Since then, ‘autism spectrum disorder’ has been the term used to encompass all diagnoses for people with ASD.
Other organisations that use person-first language include People With Disability Australia, Early Start Australia and the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations.
According to the Australian Federation of Disability Organisations’ language guide, ‘we use person-first language, emphasising the person, not the disability. People with disability are people first, who have families, work and participate in community activities.’
However, preferences for identity-first versus person-first language can vary between people.
Researchers of one study found health professionals who work with people with ASD preferred to use person-first language, whereas the majority of people with ASD in the study preferred identity-first language.
Identity-first language is often used to suggest that a person’s disability is a key part of their identity positively.
For example, a person using identity-first language may refer to themselves as an ‘autistic person,’ rather than a person with ASD. Some people with ASD view this condition as a ‘central and important part of their identity and take pride in it.’
The Australian Government uses identity-first language when referring to people with ASD. For example, when discussing the new National Autism Strategy, the Minister for Social Services Amanda Rishworth spoke about the benefits for ‘autistic people.’
“[…] Autistic people’s experiences engaging with mainstream systems and the quality of services they receive — like going to the GP — can be improved by a greater understanding among key professionals of the diversity of autism and different communication styles,” she said.
Additionally, AMAZE, an organisation supporting people with ASD, the Australian Parenting Website and some representatives from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network use identity-first language.
If you’d like to learn more about the differences between these definitions, refer to this Disability Support Guide: What is person-first language and identity-first language?
However, if you don’t know if you should use person-first or identity-first language, you should ask the person with disability. With this in mind, this topic only needs to be discussed if it comes up in conversation.
For example, when greeting someone, you wouldn’t say, ‘Hi, Anna with autism spectrum disorder’ or ‘Hi, Anna who is autistic,’ you’d simply say ‘Hi, Anna.’
In People With Disability Australia’s language guide, ‘both person-first and identity-first language are used in Australia to refer to people with disability or disabled people.’
‘[…] Non-disabled people need to be led by, respect and affirm each individual person with disability’s choice of language they use about themselves.’
Additionally, read the Disability Support Guide to discussing autism spectrum disorder behaviour to learn about other definitions and language related to this condition.
Approximately one in 40 people in Australia have ASD as per recent estimates from Autism Spectrum Australia.
Are you a person with ASD? Do you prefer identity-first or person-first language?
Let the team at Disability Support Guide know on social media.
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