The power of words and language: Connecting voice and community around neurodiversity.
For many reasons and like all language, language around neurodiversity continues to evolve and change. What is evident is that the language surrounding neurodiversity is moving towards one promoting empowerment, identity, neuro affirming and individual preference. It is connecting and creating community with a focus on recognition and acceptance to provide a platform for voice and advocacy.
The movement in identifying and unifying language terms around neurodiversity is highlighted by organisations across the world. Examples include:
The NHS Dorest Language Guide (https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity/about/language/) promote on their website:
“The language around neurodiversity is evolving, and we know people may use a range of terms to describe themselves and others. For the website, it is important that we use a consistent set of words and phrases that people with lived experience have agreed are respectful, positive and inclusive.”
Clinikids (https://clinikids.telethonkids.org.au/information-hub/resources/neuroaffirming-language-preferences/) notes:
“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.”
Autistic realms (https://www.autisticrealms.com/post/neurodiversity-language-matters) emphasises why having the right language is so important:
“Language matters, it matters even more when you are neurodivergent. It is important for children and adults to have the right vocabulary; this helps to develop a deeper understanding of yourself and builds confidence. Language enables effective communication and having the right vocabulary is a path to getting your needs met and self-advocacy. If you don't have the language to describe yourself, your emotions, your body sensations and experiences it can affect your mental health and ability to achieve your true potential.”
It is somewhat overwhelming to think about language and what are the terms to employ and not, and the impact that it can have on assumptions, preconceptions and bias. Some general takeaway thoughts on learning the language around neurodiversity:
don’t just assume when in doubt ask
continue to learn
keep an open mind, be prepared to change
challenge assumptions and bias.
In some cases, word usage is based on induvial preference such in the case of identity-first and person-first language.
An infographic from the Engaging Minds Learning Group, captures the definition of person-first vs identity-first language .
The Simpkus organisation (https://stimpunks.org/language/) provides an easy to understand example of identity-first language in their discussion on identity first and person first language:
I’m autistic, not a person with autism.
Autistic is an important part of my identity.
I’m a disabled person, not a person with disabilities.
Disabled is an important part of my identity.
Fundamentally, it comes does to personal preference and it is important to not assume but ask.
There is also the emergence of identity terms which are being embraced and solidified with the neurodiverse community. These are:
ADHDer- is for a person with ADHD
AUDHD- for a person with ADHD and autism
Neurokin- refers to the people who share your neurotype: dyspraxia, ADHD, autism, neurotypical. Neurokinship enables pride, confidence.
(https://us.specialisterne.com/neurokinship/#:~:text=Neurokin%20is%20a%20term%20that,Neurokinship%20enables%20pride%2C%20confidence.)
In all aspects language connects. The language around neurodiversity is evolving and will continue to as people, individual, groups and communities see the need. There are a number of language guides available to outline terms and language that are accepted and changing around neurodiversity. A few examples of these are:
NHS Dorest Language Guide: https://nhsdorset.nhs.uk/neurodiversity/about/language/#:~:text=The%20term%20neurodivergent%20is%20used,ADHD%2C%20dyslexia%20or%20Tourette's%20Syndrome.
Neuro Affirming Language Preferences: https://clinikids.telethonkids.org.au/information-hub/resources/neuroaffirming-language-preferences/