Understanding Autism and Respectful Language

Autism is a lifelong neurodevelopmental difference that affects how someone experiences, processes, communicates and interacts with the world. Some autistic people communicate verbally and independently; others use symbols, devices, gestures, writing, family support, or a mixture of methods. Some have a learning disability; many do not.

Language matters. Many people prefer "autistic person"; others prefer "person with autism" or another description. Use the wording the patient, parent or carer uses, and avoid phrases such as "suffers from autism" or treating autism as a behaviour problem. In clinical records, be factual and respectful.

Common myths to avoid

• Autism is not caused by vaccines.
• Autism is not a mental health condition, although anxiety or depression may also be present.
• Autistic people can feel pain, fear, empathy and embarrassment.
• Autistic people do not all communicate, learn or cope in the same way.
• Eye contact is not a reliable measure of attention, understanding or respect.

Legal and mandatory training context

Autism-aware care starts with believing the patient's own account of what helps and using language that preserves dignity.