Identity First Language /Autistic Person, Person With Autism Or What? What Do YOU Want To Be Called?

DISCLAIMER: I am no medical doctor, I'm just your normal Jo Bloggs who's sharing her lived experiences with Autism that was called Aspergers. If you see any warning signs/symptoms that may be related to any of the topics I share as of in the future, please seek a second opinion or treatment with a  medical professional. What I share with you in how I go about managing my autism will vary from person to person and that what may work for me,  may not work for you and what will work for you may not work for me and vice versa. So, please be considerate while I give you all my advice and/or tips. As we know that words and language are powerful tools by which an individual can express ideas, thoughts, and more whether it is abstract, actionable, or concrete. I myself as an individual know firsthand and understand full darn well that language and the meanings towards words can very much impact someone no matter who and what they are as a person. We as individuals I believe do tend to attach to some of the words very much for impact and influence and even more so developing and changing the attitudes that we have towards the subjects and or matters of discussion. That's why many people I have spoken to or heard from are easily insulted or upset by the everyday word choices that we have.   I am here today to try and explain to you all right now about this topic as this is really controversial for many of us that are autistic. Before, I begin this is just based on what I've experienced and known all my time after talking to some people in the autistic community about how they may feel.  It has been known for quite some time now for many of us autistics that we meet some people that have some misunderstanding and misconceptions about autistics no matter what it is. So what can we do moving forward? Or, more importantly, what should we do? To those of you who use “person with autism,” I will always respect your constitutional right to express yourself however you like, but I urge you to reconsider the consequences of using such language. To those of you who use “Autistic person,” I urge you to consistently use such phrasing everywhere possible, whenever discussing autism and issues that affect  Autistic people and to develop coherent, rational explanations for why you prefer this terminology so that you can engage in such mutually respectful and civil exchanges with others. That, actually, goes for everyone. If we ever want to accomplish anything as a community, as a movement, or as advocates,  we cannot allow ourselves to be constantly divided by infighting and vicious bullying — and yes, that occurs from all sides of these debates,  not just one. It is imperative that we learn to engage critically and respectfully with one another and to value each individual’s voice and feelings as equally important. Otherwise, we’ll become even more dysfunctional than my subcommittee has been in recent months. *ABOUT ME*   Hello, I'm Aspie Answers from NZ. I have Aspergers Syndrome that is now clinically known in the DSM5 Manual of Diagnostics as Autism.  I make videos as an advocate on autism and mental health from the perspective of an autistic adult. Sharing my autism, mental health experiences along with taking you all on a journey with me to help other autistic people, autism families, or anyone to help improve understanding of autism and mental health. This channel is focused on raising autism awareness & acceptance of autism and mental health as well as inclusion. To try and change attitudes and mindset towards autism and mental health, to educate and advocate to people about autism and mental health for those who are new to the autism world.

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