Autistic People's Perspectives on Functioning Labels and Associated Reasons, and Community Connectedness
Saved in:
| Title: | Autistic People's Perspectives on Functioning Labels and Associated Reasons, and Community Connectedness |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Nathan Keates (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders. 2025 55(4):1318-1328. |
| Availability: | Springer. Available from: Springer Nature. One New York Plaza, Suite 4600, New York, NY 10004. Tel: 800-777-4643; Tel: 212-460-1500; Fax: 212-460-1700; e-mail: customerservice@springernature.com; Web site: https://link.springer.com/ |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 11 |
| Publication Date: | 2025 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Descriptors: | Autism Spectrum Disorders, Labeling (of Persons), Population Groups, Preferences, Language Usage, Community Involvement, Community Study, Majority Attitudes |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06316-3 |
| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| Abstract: | Functioning labels have been used in relation to autistic people and differentiating between support needs. The main purpose of our study was to identify perspectives regarding language about being autistic. In regard to themselves and functioning. Furthermore, we investigated the influential factor of community connectedness on use of language acceptability and functioning labels. 516 autistic respondents completed our survey. We asked about demographic characteristics, how respondents would like autistic people to be termed in the survey, and their acceptability (person with autism, Aspergers, disorder, conditions, living with autism, autistic). We also asked about respondents? Autistic Community Connectedness, acknowledging the implicit nature of language and identity (Stets & Serpe in New directions in identity theory and research, Oxford University Press, 2016). The main focus of our survey was whether or not to use functioning labels, and the supporting rationale. 97% of respondents stated that they find the term 'autistic' acceptable. Respondents who did see merit in using functioning labels to describe autistic people also reported not necessarily using them about themselves. Community membership was found to impact the participants' language preferences to describe the support needs of autistic people, including the use of functioning labels. The proposed best option for language preferences is not to find consensus but instead, opt for the optimal choice that people find the least offensive or disagreeable. This means using identity-first language and not using functioning labels. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2025 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1464183 |
| Database: | ERIC |
|
Full text is not displayed to guests.
Login for full access.
|
|
| Abstract: | Functioning labels have been used in relation to autistic people and differentiating between support needs. The main purpose of our study was to identify perspectives regarding language about being autistic. In regard to themselves and functioning. Furthermore, we investigated the influential factor of community connectedness on use of language acceptability and functioning labels. 516 autistic respondents completed our survey. We asked about demographic characteristics, how respondents would like autistic people to be termed in the survey, and their acceptability (person with autism, Aspergers, disorder, conditions, living with autism, autistic). We also asked about respondents? Autistic Community Connectedness, acknowledging the implicit nature of language and identity (Stets & Serpe in New directions in identity theory and research, Oxford University Press, 2016). The main focus of our survey was whether or not to use functioning labels, and the supporting rationale. 97% of respondents stated that they find the term 'autistic' acceptable. Respondents who did see merit in using functioning labels to describe autistic people also reported not necessarily using them about themselves. Community membership was found to impact the participants' language preferences to describe the support needs of autistic people, including the use of functioning labels. The proposed best option for language preferences is not to find consensus but instead, opt for the optimal choice that people find the least offensive or disagreeable. This means using identity-first language and not using functioning labels. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0162-3257 1573-3432 |
| DOI: | 10.1007/s10803-024-06316-3 |
