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April 2nd is the internationally recognized World Autism Awareness Day. Autism, or Autism Spectrum Disorder, is a neurological condition that can affect social skills, communication, and behavior (1). This type of neurodivergence has been identified by the Center for Disease Controls as being present in roughly one out of every fifty-four children in the United States (as of 2016) and occurs among all racial, socioeconomic, and ethnic groups. Studies have also reliably shown that vaccines do not play a role in developing autism (2).

Because it is a spectrum, there are a range of ways in which autistic characteristics may manifest (1). Autistic people often process information differently, leading to creativity and novel approaches. Many on the spectrum learn visually and are highly observant and attuned to details, with the ability to focus deeply on something without being distracted. They may be methodical and excellent at spotting patterns and repetition. Another aspect of autism is the ability to become deeply passionate about a topic and develop expertise in it (3).

Ableism often occurs in discussions surrounding autism; even the information provided by the Center for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC) invokes language that paints autism as a disease. The CDC points out that there is no “cure” for autism, but framing autism as something that must be “cured” implies that there is a standard that autistic people fall short of. Indeed, the “neurodiversity framework [a term used by several autistic scholars] conceptualizes autism as a natural form of human variation, inseparable from individuals’ identity, and not in need of a cure or normalization” (5). Using binaries to describe variations between people (healthy/sick, autistic/non-autistic) creates a false construct that effectively others anyone not seen as “healthy” or “normal.” Ableism also intersects with other systems of oppression, often being compounded by other types of discrimination, and affects people of color disproportionately (6).

Researchers Kristen Bottema-Beutel, Steven K. Kapp, et al have provided a list of potentially ableist terms with suggested alternatives, reproduced in part here (7)

Upcoming Events for Autism Awareness Day:

 – part of the UN’s 2021 World Autism Awareness Day observance. Thursday, April 8, 10-11 am EST (registration required.)

Sources:

1. “What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?” Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Last reviewed March 25, 2020. .
2. “Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Last reviewed March 26, 2020. .
3. Cannon, Harriet. “Autism: the positives.” The University of Leeds. February 2018. .
4. “Treatment and Intervention Services for Autism Spectrum Disorder.” Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Last reviewed September 23, 2019. .
5. Kapp, Steven K., ed. Autistic Community and the Neurodiversity Movement: Stories from the Frontline. Singapore: Palgrave MacMillan; 2020. Quoted in “Avoiding Ableist Language.”
6. Blanchett, Wanda J., Janette K. Klingner, and Beth Harry. “The intersection of race, culture, language, and disability: Implications for urban education.” Urban Education 44, no. 4 (July 2009): 389-409. . Quoted in “Avoiding Ableist Language.”
7. Bottema-Beutel, Kristen, Steven K. Kapp, Jessica Nina Lester, Noah J. Sasson, and Brittany N. Hand. “Avoiding Ableist Language: Suggestions for Autism Researchers.” Autism in Adulthood. September 2, 2020. .