Why language is important
“I loved the ND affirming language throughout! It appears a lot of care and thought has gone into this!” — Consultation participant
Every Autistic person is an individual with unique qualities, strengths, weaknesses, and support needs.
For the purposes of the Strategy, it is important to understand how best to refer to autism, and to those who have lived experience of autism.
During consultation, feedback showed we must move away from using the medical term “autism spectrum disorder” or terms such as “low functioning” or “high functioning.” Many shared how these terms do not recognise the nuance and variability of functioning for an Autistic person and are out of date with emerging research.
As new information and research becomes available, the community must respond accordingly.
We acknowledge that language is an important factor in identity. We recognise there are those who prefer person-first language (for example, person with autism or person on the autism spectrum), people who prefer identity-first language (for example, Autistic person) and people who use these terms interchangeably.
Feedback throughout the consultation process to develop the Strategy indicated that many Autistic people prefer identity-first language. Based on this feedback, we will continue to use identity-first language.
The importance of using an individual’s preferred language and terminology and understanding the additional and sometimes overlapping challenges when working with them directly is crucial.
Autistic community
The community of Autistic people themselves. You must be Autistic to be a member of the Autistic community.
Autism community
Includes people who are not Autistic themselves, but who provide support to an Autistic person (parent, carer, family-member, professional).
Autistic and autism communities
Includes members of both the Autistic and autism communities, who share a common interest.
See glossary of terms used throughout the Strategy.
Understanding autism
Understanding and defining autism for the purposes of the Strategy has been a complex conversation but was fundamental in the consultation process to support improved community knowledge, understanding, appreciation and attitudes over time.
Many views were shared on how best to define autism, what should be included and which active definitions within the sector best reflect and recognise the diversity of Autistic experiences.
It is important to note that many people are still unable to articulate what a diagnosis of autism means, especially amongst people from Aboriginal and culturally and linguistically diverse communities who may have a vastly different understanding or concept of what it means to live with a disability and/or neurodivergence.
Cultural perceptions of disability and/or neurodivergence can influence understanding and attitudes. Culture, language, and other differences can also create additional barriers to obtaining supports and services.
For some Autistic people, their perceived differences are attributed to their culture, and not their autism (and vice-versa).
For the purpose of this Strategy, the following definition has been developed to provide a basis upon which knowledge, understanding and acceptance can grow.
Autism is a neurological developmental difference that impacts the way an Autistic person sees, experiences, understands and responds to the world.
Every person’s lived experience of autism is different.
Building knowledge
A member survey conducted by the Autistic Self Advocacy Network of Australia and New Zealand found 92% of Autistic people would find communicating about autism easier if there was broad community understanding and acceptance and increased community knowledge.
Understanding the needs of, and challenges faced by, Autistic people is critical to ensuring that all government departments adopt appropriate inclusive policies and practices. In addition, the community has a role to play in shifting the narrative on what it truly means to be Autistic. This includes disproving myths and misconceptions about autism.
Fundamental to delivering real inclusion for the Autistic and autism communities depends not only on transforming our services, but also a change in culture, attitudes and behaviours and improved knowledge across the public sector and the wider community.
Building knowledge is a journey and change is a long-term process.
This Strategy accelerates progress already made and lays strong foundations for the change we seek.
Common misconceptions
Myth: Autistic people are geniuses and have special talents and abilities
Fact: Autistic people have a variety of skills, just like non-Autistic people. Similarly, they may face challenges in certain areas that require support.
Myth: Autistic people display violent behaviours
Fact: Statistics show that Autistic people are more likely to be victims of crime, than offenders themselves. However, a lack of knowledge of Autistic-qualities can escalate situations and this can be misinterpreted.
Myth: Only boys can be Autistic
Fact: Girls and women are commonly misdiagnosed or diagnosed later in life, or indeed, never able to access diagnostic services. Autism may present differently in girls and women and therefore often goes unrecognised. Many Autistic girls and women are better at ‘masking’ or ‘camouflaging’ in order to fit in.
Myth: Autistic people don’t speak
Fact: Every Autistic child and adult is different in the way they communicate, and some may require additional supports, such as Alternative Augmentative Communication (AAC) technologies.
Myth: Autistic people can’t show emotion
Fact: Autistic people have a full range of feelings and emotions, just like non-Autistic people. How each person expresses emotions and the level of their ability to express emotions varies.