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CliniKids is a not-for-profit centre integrating world-class research with a clinical service for children with developmental delay and/or an autism diagnosis, and their families. It is the first of its kind for autism in Australia.
CliniKids provides therapy support and individualised programs to help children and families to reach their full potential.
One of the unique aspects of CliniKids is the integration of clinical services with cutting-edge research. Our exceptional team of researchers work in collaboration with our clinicians to give the community access to the world's best evidence-based therapies.
Here you'll find a wealth of information and resources to help support your child on the autism spectrum.
The language we use shifts over time and the words we use are important. At CliniKids, we are committed to using language that is neuroaffirming and preferred by the autistic community.
In the first instance, it’s important to know what we mean by neurodiversity.
Below are some terms you may have heard and the current language preferences within the neurodivergent community. Our list focuses on the autistic experience, however all neurotypes benefit from a neuro affirming approach.
Different individuals and families may have personal preferences on language, and we encourage you to ask about their preferences.
| Neurodivergent Preference | Potentially Offensive | Perspectives |
| Autism | Autism Spectrum Disorder, ASD, On the Spectrum | The term ‘disorder’ suggests that there is something wrong and is rooted in a medical model. Autism is preferred. |
| Autistic person (identity first language) | Person with autism (person first language) | Use of identify first language is generally preferred in the autistic community. It acknowledges that autism is part of a person’s identity, and it can’t be separated from who they are. |
| Autistic person (identity first language) | High and low functioning | People’s support needs vary over time, and across environments and contexts. The terms ‘high’ and ‘low’ do not encompass a person’s internal experience of the world, but more how they externally present to others. |
| Traits/ Characteristics |
Symptoms Red flags |
The word ‘symptom’ has judgment associated with it and suggests that there is a problem to fix. The autistic community has stated preferences for characteristics or traits to be used instead. |
| Special Interests (Spins) or passions, focused interests | Restricted interests and obsessions | The autistic community has moved away from the term ‘special interests’ on its own as it can be seen as condescending. |
| Stimming | Stereotypy | Stereotypy was a word coined at a time where stimming was often viewed as something to change and reduce. We now know how important stimming is for individuals – it is a repetitive action that creates joy or is soothing for the person doing it. |
| Specific supports, services | Cure, treatment | Neurodivergence don’t need to be cured, but individuals may experience challenges and benefit from support to thrive. Support needs include all the things a person may need (e.g., relationships and environment) to participate in different aspects of their life. |
| Neurotypical, allistic or non autistic | Normal | Neurodiverse brains are all part of the natural variation of human existence. |
References
1. https://ndconnection.co.uk/resources/p/nd-affirming-language-guide
2. https://playlearnchat.com/podcast-1/
3. Monk, R., A.J.O. Whitehouse, and H. Waddington. 2022. "The use of language in autism research." Trends in Neurosciences Vol 45(11), 791-793.
4. Autistic Not Weird Autism Survey 2022 http://autisticnotweird.com/autismsurvey/?fbclid=IwAR3jiAHJUY1FJ8pjvWkWTSB S54afrp82gusB0IEgRJqwY4zlbQJuUUHngX8
5. ABCS of Neurodiversity, Bridges Learning System
6. Adapt Ed Neuroaffirming Handbook, Mott M & Rodwell D 2023 (epublication)
7. Alvares, G. A., Bebbington, K., Cleary, D., Evans, K., Glasson, E. J., Maybery, M. T., Pillar, S., Uljarević, M., Varcin, K., Wray, J., & Whitehouse, A. J. (2020). The misnomer of ‘high functioning autism’: Intelligence is an imprecise predictor of functional abilities at diagnosis. Autism, 24(1), 221-232. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361319852831
First published Monday 18 March 2024.