Why Inclusive Language is Important Within the Autism Community

Hopebridge Works to Break Down Ableist Language and Foster Inclusion

“Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” right? Wrong. Words have meaning. Words matter. While some terminology may fall into a “tom-ay-to or tom-ah-to” category, there are other words that can have a greater impact on those around us.

To help us break down barriers – along with insensitive and outdated word choices – through language that is inclusive and respectful of the population we serve, we turned to Hopebridge Quality Improvement Coordinator Nia Flowers. As a board certified behavior analyst (BCBA) and one of the company’s DEI Clinical Workgroup leaders, Nia offers her perspective on this subject from a few different angles and roles.

If you’re interested in learning more about autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as well as others who may differ from you regarding abilities, background, culture, race, gender or in a multitude of other ways, we urge you to read on here.

Hopebridge Autism Therapy Centers’ Inclusive Language Guide

Understanding that language is constantly evolving, we put together a guide intended to support others (as well as ourselves!) on our journey to re-think or shift terminology to remove bias and stigma. It’s important to remember that there is not only one correct way to say something. If we all put in the work to educate ourselves, we can better understand each other and enhance our vocabulary to be all-encompassing, whenever possible.

In the spirit of diversity, here are some key considerations when attempting to be more mindful of your language and make the space around you more inclusive:

• There is more than one way to refer to those in the autism community.
  Is it “autistic child” or “child with autism”? Well, it depends on who you ask! There is much conversation on identity-first versus person-first language within the neurodiverse community and not everyone agrees on terminology. Respecting everyone’s unique experiences, Nia recommends building a relationship with the individual and/or their family to gain more understanding and learn their preferences.
  
  At Hopebridge, we have typically started with person-first language to focus on the person rather than highlighting the disability, but some self-advocates prefer identity-first language, so it’s a good idea to listen and ask rather than assume. If you want to learn more about this topic, there are some informative resources like this Inclusive Language Toolkit and an article on identity-first language from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network, which offer more insight around both options, as well as other topics.
  
  
• The names of diagnoses should not be used to describe unrelated feelings or characteristics.
  We’ve heard people say things like, “I’m so ADHD right now,” when they really mean, “I’m distracted.” ADHD is a diagnosis, not a feeling or reason to tease about if the individual is not diagnosed with it. Diagnoses are deeper than a momentary lapse in memory or distraction. 
  

  Autism, therapy, and progress looks different for every child.

  The same goes for other medical conditions or mental health disorders (e.g. diabetes, bipolar disorder). While phrases that mention ADHD like this are usually intended to lighten up a situation, it’s best not to joke about them if you do not personally experience them, as they minimize the symptoms of someone who has the diagnosis.
  
  
• Reconsider using phrases such as, “They’re crazy.”
  Please don’t feel bad if you use this term, as even advocates have the opportunity to learn more. Instead, use it as a moment to educate yourself and update your language! This is one is embedded into many people’s vocabulary, but in order to release the stigma around mental illness and mental health, Nia suggests replacing words like “crazy” and “insane” with other terms like “silly,” “wild” or “outrageous.”
  
  
• Remember that there are different ways to describe communication.
  While the term, “nonverbal,” is common in the autism world, it is typically more accurate to use “non-vocal” or “non-speaking” when referring to an individual who does not vocally communicate. “Non-vocal” is the clinical term we use when discussing a person who does not emit or exhibit vocal words as their primary form of communication, but it does not mean they cannot communicate. This term is broader, recognizes receptive language, and includes those who use AAC devices or sign-language. Even if they do not currently use a form of alternative means to communicate, this term recognizes that we can teach them to do so. It also does not exclude those who can speak but choose not to speak.
  
  “We had a patient with selective mutism who would talk to small children, but not adults. After being with us for nearly a year, the first time we heard his voice was when we put an ear to the door as he spoke to another child. Our words should include people in situations like his, too,” Nia said. What’s even better than these terms? Nia would like to see our community pivot to referring to what the child uses as a communication modality, rather than focusing on the lack of speaking.
  
  
• Autism does not have a “look,” and our words should reflect this.
  Here’s a reminder that autism doesn’t have a physical “look” and impacts individuals in various ways. If someone tells you their child has autism, rather than assuming or commenting on the disorder or child based on stereotypes with phrases like, “He doesn’t look autistic,” use the opportunity to learn more. More appropriate responses could be: “Would you like to talk about it?” “How does autism impact him?” or “Is there anything I can do to better support him or you?”
  
  
• Using an individual’s preferred terms goes beyond neurodiversity, and should be considered when discussing race, culture, gender, etc.
  Intersectionality should be considered for all people, especially when discussing labels. Our words should not only be inclusive of those in the autism population, but also mindful of others across all races, cultures and genders.
  
  Terms like “African-American” are perfectly appropriate when used accurately, but a person’s skin color is not always the best indicator of this. When describing someone else’s skin color or discussing race, Nia recommends asking the person you are speaking to about their preferences. “The people we work with come from all different types of backgrounds. Where we come from can vary, which is sometimes misunderstood when it comes to brown people. You shouldn’t always say, ‘African-American.’ I am brown, but I may be from Jamaica or anywhere else in the world.” As a general rule, using the word “colored” is also not acceptable to describe a person of color.
  
  The same is true for using phrases like “hey, guys.” More general greetings like, “hey, team,” would be more appropriate. It is easy to overlook this language, but while the difference may seem small to some, using gender-neutral language can feel significant to others. Using alternatives like “team,” “kiddos,” “you all,” “you both,” and “folks” to address groups of people are more inclusive and have less gender bias than “you guys.” If addressing one person, you can also ask, “If I am thinking of you in the third person, what are your proper pronouns?” 

Tips for Enhancing Language While Removing Ableist Terminology

“It’s hard to remember all the little things, but if you start trying now, it will get easier over time,” encourages Nia.

Here are Nia’s four simple tips for tweaking your language:

• Seek out more information about inclusive language …
  Take the time to read books, watch TED Talks, or attend a workshop or seminar on the subjects you’re interested in learning more about. The Inclusive Language Toolkit we linked earlier has a wealth of information, plus breaks down ideas to help start conversations about it. Even taking as little as 15 extra minutes to educate yourself can be beneficial.
  
  
• … but don’t believe everything you read.
  Make sure you’re getting your information from reputable sources. This is especially true concerning autism and ABA therapy, as not every child’s success will look the same. It’s a wide spectrum, so be mindful before asking questions like, “Why is she talking, and he is not?”
  
  
• Just ask!
  You won’t know unless you ask, so if you’re not sure how to refer to someone or want to know more about what they’re experiencing, find the right moment to respectfully ask if they are open to sharing their preferences or more information. If you don’t feel comfortable asking the person directly, consider asking one of their trusted friends or family members. Just by showing interest in another’s differences like this, you can positively affect others.
  
  
• Engage in self-compassion.
  Some of the language we discourage using has been part of the American vernacular for a long time and there is much learned history. As you shift language and focus, give yourself grace. No one is perfect at this and we should all be mindful of the evolution in language as our understanding grows.

Learn More About Autism and Therapy with Hopebridge

Keep in mind, we are all still learning! Language is ever-changing, and the words we use to communicate now may get even more enhancements in the future. Our DEI Clinical Workgroup is constantly reviewing our materials and guiding our team on topics like these, in addition to finding other ways to make our services more inclusive, such as through offering assessments and resources in multiple languages, as well as specialized training for our team.

At Hopebridge, we’re here to lift our kids and help them discover their own ways to communicate their wants, needs and feelings to those around them. If you are a parent or caregiver interested in finding out more about autism and whether your child can benefit from our services, contact us.

Or, if you’re someone interested in joining our mission to help these children lead their best lives, consider working with us, like Nia, at one of our centers around the country.

*Informed consent was obtained from the participants in this article. This information should not be captured and reused without express permission from Hopebridge, LLC.