A full semantic toolbox is essential for autism research and practice to thrive

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) present with a highly diverse set of challenges, disabilities, impairments and strengths. Recently, it has been suggested that researchers and practitioners avoid using certain words to describe the difficulties and impairments experienced by individuals with ASD to reduce stigma. The proposed limitations on terminology were developed by only a subset of the autism community, and the recommendations are already causing negative consequences that may be harmful to future scientific and clinical endeavors and, ultimately, to people with ASD. No one should have the power to censor language to exclude the observable realities of autism. Scientists and clinicians must be able to use any scientifically accurate terms necessary to describe the wide range of autistic people they study and support, without fear of censure or retribution. Lay Summary center dot Scientists and clinicians must be able to use the vocabulary necessary to describe the wide range of autistic people they study and support without fear of censure or retribution. center dot Lists of acceptable terms, written by subsets of the community, threaten inappropriate censorship and erasure of problems experienced by many with autism. center dot No one should have the power to censor language to exclude the observable realities of autism. Scientists must have access to a full semantic toolbox to describe research findings and clinical realities.

Automated summary

There have been suggestions to limit certain words used to describe autism, but these limitations have resulted in negative consequences. Scientists and clinicians should be able to use appropriate vocabulary to describe and support autistic individuals without fear of censorship or retribution.