Negative, Deficit-Driven Language

Neurodiversity-Affirming Language

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)

autism spectrum

autism

rigid behaviors

is inflexible

insistence on sameness

prefers consistency

finds safety in the familiar

thrives in predictable situations

deficits

differences

restricted interests

obsessions

fixations

deep interests

passions

familiar and predictable activities

red flags of autism

warning signs of autism

signs of autism

autism traits

is difficult to engage

is in own world

focuses intently on own interests

does not interact with peers

ignores other kids

enjoys playing alone

prefers talking to, playing with, or hanging out with adults

disorder

handicap

disability

normal

neurotypical

abnormal

atypical

neurodivergent

child with autism (person-first language)

suffers from autism

autistic child (identity-first language)

tantrum

fit

challenging behavior

dysregulation

meltdown

stress response

poor eye contact

inconsistent eye contact

selective eye contact

engages best during low-demand, child-led activities

refuses or is non-compliant with adult-directed activities

nonverbal

non-speaking

minimally verbal

minimally speaking

refuses to talk at times

selective mutism

inconsistently speaking

is an intermittent speaker

high-functioning autism

mild autism

low support needs

low-functioning autism

severe autism

high support needs

non-functional echolalia

Gestalt language processor

shows no interest in age-appropriate toys

likes gadgets, such as vacuums and light switches, more than store-bought toys

has restrictive and repetitive play

enjoys playing in predictable ways

does not play appropriately with toys

enjoys gathering, grouping, sorting, and lining up toys

likes to watch objects spin, roll, and wobble

studies toys from different angles