Definition
The medical name for autism.
The bigger picture
Some people don’t like the word ‘disorder’ in this definition as it makes it sound like autism is an illness or problem that can be treated and cured, rather than part of the natural diversity of humans. This means there can be a focus on ‘fixing’ autistic people, rather than on acceptance, inclusion, and people’s human rights.
Saying it differently
Use ‘autism’ or ‘autism spectrum’ instead, unless there is a specific need to use Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in reference to the medical term
What people say
“It’s a disorder. Why is it a disorder? Again that’s the medical model but I don’t feel that that should have to define somebody… If we’re using that terminology, we’re setting people apart and saying there’s something different about you that we don’t like or we can’t manage or it’s too difficult, when actually it’s just a difference in a way of thinking, and acually there’s real strengths to those differences.” – Steph Phillips