Our Language and Approach

There is no universal agreement about the best way to talk about autism. For example, some autistic adults prefer to identify as a "person with autism" to emphasise their value and worth as a person first before their diagnosis. However, other autistic adults prefer to identify as an "autistic person", as it reflects autism as an intrinsic, central, and positive (or neutral) part of their identity. 

In this guide, we use identity-first language since research has shown that it is the preference of many autistic adults in the UK. Nonetheless, it is your choice how you prefer to identify.

This resource is grounded in the social model of disability, which means we believe that autistic people are not solely disabled by their autism, but by the interaction between their differences and their environment. This resource is also informed by the neurodiversity paradigm, which means that we see autism as a natural and valuable form of human diversity that comes with unique strengths and challenges. These reflect the core beliefs of the majority of team members involved in creating this guide, but we acknowledge that they may not represent the beliefs and experiences of all autistic people. 

Based on the above perspectives, we've avoided using medical model language such as "deficit", "impairment", "high-functioning" or "low-functioning". However, you may sometimes find it necessary or helpful to use these terms to describe your experience (e.g., using the term "Autism Spectrum Disorder" when talking about your diagnosis), and we entirely respect your right to do this. The language that you want to use to may change over time, as well as depend on the context and goal of your disclosure.

Finally, throughout this guide, we refer to both "disclosing your autism diagnosis or autistic identity" and "sharing your story" to describe the act of telling someone you're autistic. Some people may prefer "disclosure" as it's commonly used in research and professional contexts. Others may find that "sharing" feels more personal and less formal. You can use the terms that fit your own values and situations.