Is it better to say autistic person or person with autism?

Professionals preferred to use “person with autism” while autistic adults and family members preferred on the whole to use “is autistic”. They thought that the term allowed them to describe the centrality of autism to their lives.

Can you be lightly autistic?

No, there is no such thing as being a little autistic. Many people may show some characteristics of autism from time to time. This may include avoiding bright lights and noises, preferring to be alone and being rigid about rules. This does not make them autistic.

What should I say when someone tells me they’re autistic?

Good information about autism can be scarce, so when someone tells you that they’re autistic, you may not know what to say. It’s important to be kind and speak in ways that support their self-esteem (instead of accidentally tearing them down).

Is it disrespectful to say something negative about someone with autism?

Taking any of the words used to describe autism to say something negative about a person (whether they are autistic or not) is incredibly disrespectful. You are taking something that should be celebrated and making it an insult.

What does Autism look like to others?

To others, autism can look frightened or confused. It can appear bothered by loud noises or joyful over something so simple as the ceiling fan above. Autism can have green, blue or brown eyes. It can have brown, blonde or black hair. Autism can be any race, color or creed. Autism can look like spinning, hand-flapping or rocking back and forth.

Are We all a little autistic?

“Don’t worry, everyone’s a little Autistic.” No. The number is one in sixty-eight. We’re not all a little Autistic. There are countless struggles that I deal with on a daily basis and comparing Autism-related struggles to other struggles is just plain insulting.