This website is designed to provide an accessible, credible source of information to everyone in Dorset. The language we use plays an important part in that. Throughout the website, we have aimed to write in plain English, and use language that is consistent and clear, so that every reader can understand it.
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.
This guide has been developed with people with lived experience and neurodiversity professionals. It is a live document, which means it can be edited and added to as needed.
The website – and therefore this language guide – focuses primarily on autism and ADHD. This is because the neurodevelopmental review carried out in Dorset identified a need for improved access to information and support on those conditions. However, the website also points people to information on a range of other conditions to support Dorset’s wider neurodivergent community.
Accessibility
This website has been designed so that it can be accessed by everyone, including people with visual impairments, dyslexia, and learning disabilities.
Language is critical to ensuring everyone can understand the information we share on the site. The language around neurodiversity can be confusing, so we have tried to explain terms wherever needed, and avoid jargon or acronyms where possible. If we do use acronyms, we will explain what they mean.
We have avoided similes and metaphors, as some autistic people understand language very literally, so it’s important to avoid phrases that don’t say what they mean.
Words and phrases
Words are powerful. Using the right words can help people to feel included and respected. Using the wrong words can cause people to feel excluded and demeaned. Language is not only important for neurodivergent people and their families, but can reframe how society views and refers to neurodivergent people.
A-Z list of words and phrases we have agreed should be used or avoided
A
| Term | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Accommodations | A term used to describe the adjustments that can reasonably be made to meet the needs of a neurodivergent person in the workplace. Also used in relation to pre-interview or pre-starting work. Sometimes referred to as reasonable adjustments. |
| Asperger syndrome | The name Asperger syndrome has been used since the mid 10th century to describe a particular form of autism.
There is considerable debate over the name and its origins, and some now prefer not to use it. The name derives from a 1944 study by Austrian paediatrician Hans Asperger. New evidence about his history and links to the Nazi regime have recently been revealed. Many people who fit in the profile for Asperger syndrome are now being diagnosed with autism instead. Each person is different, and it is up to each individual how they choose to identify. Some people still prefer to use the term Asperger syndrome in relation to their own condition. |
| Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder
or ADHD |
ADHD is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects people’s behaviour and emotions. It affects both children and adults.
It is acceptable to use the term ADHD without giving the full name, as it is a widely used acronym. |
| Use:
Autistic people or |
Rather than people with autism or a person with autism where possible.
This is a sensitive issue in the autism community, as many autistic people see autism as a part of who they are – rather than something separate. Research shows that there isn’t a single way which is accepted by everyone. However, autistic and on the autism spectrum were the preferre3ed terms among most autistic adults and families. There is less agreement about how to describe children. Many autism organisations, particularly those focused on children and young people, use the terms ‘with autism’ or ‘on the autism spectrum’. Research shows that families are divided on which term they like best. |
| Use:
Autism or on the autism spectrum |
Rather than autism spectrum disorder or ASD.
Autism spectrum disorder is the official way of describing autism but many autistic people and families feel that the term ‘disorder’ is too negative for everyday discussions. Autism is a difference rather than a disorder. The term ‘condition’ is often now used by professionals rather than ‘disorder’. |
C
| Term | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Use:
Characteristics or Traits |
Rather than symptoms, which makes it sound as if autism is a disease. |
| Use:
Co-existing conditions or Co-occurring conditions |
Refers to when a person has more than one neurodevelopmental condition.
Use these phrases rather than co-morbidity, which has negative connotations. |
D
| Term | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Differences | Not deficits. |
| Disability | The Equality Act 2010 defines a disability as any ‘physical or mental impairment that has a substantial and long-term negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities.’
Although autism and ADHD are usually described as neurodevelopmental conditions, they are sometimes referred to as developmental disabilities. |
F
| Term | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Functioning (high/low) | These terms overshadow and create an unneeded comparison. Using high functioning disregards the struggles of those who appear independent and well. |
H
| Term | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Human language is key | People are people – avoid terms such as service user or client. |
L
| Use:
Lived experience…(of autism/ADHD) |
|---|
M
| Term | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Masking | When autistic people ‘mask’ they may hide or disguise certain traits in order to conform to the expectations of a neurotypical society. Masking is more common in girls than boys, but many autistic people ‘mask’ at some point.
Masking can be seen as a coping strategy for autistic people, but it can have a significant and detrimental impact, resulting in stress, anxiety and depression. |
| Meltdown | A meltdown is an intense response to an overwhelming situation. It can result in an autistic person experiencing very high anxiety and distress, and they may temporarily lose control of their behaviour.
Autistic people can react to challenging situations in other ways too: for example, by refusing to interact, withdrawing from situations, or avoiding them altogether. |
N
| Term | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Neurodivergent | The term neurodivergent is used to refer to someone whose brain functions differently to what is considered more typical.
People who are neurodivergent may have one or more neurodevelopmental conditions, such as autism, ADHD, dyslexia or Tourette’s Syndrome. Use neurodivergent to refer to a person who is not neurotypical, rather than neurodiverse. |
| Neurodiverse | Neurodiverse is a term to describe a group of individuals who represent the spectrum of neurodiversity.
An individual cannot be neurodiverse. An individual who is not neurotypical is neurodivergent. |
| Neurodiversity | Neurodiversity is the concept that everyone’s brain is unique.
It recognises the biological fact that we are all diverse – we all think, learn, and act differently, and we all have different strengths. Neurodiversity recognises and celebrates the value that these different strengths can bring. |
| Neurotypical | Neurotypical refers to someone whose mind falls within the society standards of what is considered ‘typical’. |
R
| Term | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Reasonable adjustments | Column 2 A term used to describe the adjustments that can reasonably be made to meet the needs of a neurodivergent person in the workplace. Also used in relation to pre-interview or pre-starting work. Sometimes referred to as accommodations. |
S
| Term | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Use:
Support or adjustments |
Rather than treat.
Words like ‘treat’ mean that people might think that autism is a disease that can be removed or cured. This upsets many autistic people and families. With support and/or reasonable adjustments, many autistic people live independent lives. Do not talk about ‘managing’ behaviour in relation to ADHD – focus on support. |
| Don’t use:
Severe or Mild |
In a similar way to high and low functioning, these terms create an unneeded comparison. |
| Spectrum | As in spectrum condition – this means the condition can affect people in different ways. |
Additional resources
The NHS website includes information on how to make information accessible, including the language we use about autism.
NHS guide to making information and the words we use accessible.
The National Autistic Society also provides a useful guide on how to talk and write about autism.
