Terminology
Although some prefer to use the person-first terminology person with autism, some members of the autistic community prefer autistic person or autistic in formal English, to stress that autism is a part of their identity rather than a disease they have. In addition, phrases like suffers from autism are objectionable to some people.
The autistic community has developed abbreviations for commonly used terms, such as:
- Aspie – a person with Asperger syndrome.
- Autie – an autistic person. It can be contrasted with aspie to refer to those specifically diagnosed with classic autism.
- Autistics and Cousins (AC) — a cover term including aspies, auties, and their "cousins", i.e. people with some autistic traits but no formal diagnosis.
- Curebie – a person with the desire to cure autism. This term is highly derogatory.
- Neurodiversity – tolerance of people regardless of neurological wiring.
- Neurotypical (NT) – an individual who is not on the autism spectrum.
Read more about this topic: Sociological And Cultural Aspects Of Autism