Terminology is a powerful tool. Terminology can help change attitudes towards autism and Autistic people. Terminology has an important role in empowering and supporting Autistic people in Aotearoa New Zealand.
There are many different preferences in the Autistic community (Autistic people) and autism community (including family, whānau and wider support networks) for describing autism and Autistic people.
The preferences of the Aotearoa New Zealand Autistic community should be held central to all things autism. Any debate about preferred terminology should only be held within the Autistic community itself.
The terminology used for autism should always be informed by the preferences of the Autistic community, and the terms used for Autistic individuals should respect that person’s own terminology preferences.
Autistic people in Aotearoa New Zealand have developed this resource with the support of Autism New Zealand and the ongoing feedback from members of the Autism New Zealand Community Advisory Group.
The feedback provided by Autistic Advisors at Altogether Autism, ASK Trust, Te Pou Disability, and members of the New Zealand Autistic community has also played a vital role in developing this resource.
As this resource represents a living document, it will continue to be updated to remain consistent with the autism terminology preferences of the Autistic community of Aotearoa New Zealand.
Feedback on this resource is welcome from all members of the Autistic and wider autism communities.
The incorporation of suggestions from the community for additional terminology or modifications of the current content will be determined by Autistic people, consistent with the development of this resource.
Please direct any comments or suggestions for improving this resource to Autism New Zealand (research@autismnz.org.nz) to share with the Autistic creators and their Community Advisory Group.
You can read the terminology in full here