A long-simmering debate about language has erupted among researchers studying autism: is autism a “disorder” or “disability,” or are autistic people just “different” and the specifics associated with them “symptoms,” or just plain old “Characteristics”? In academic papers and commentaries published in recent months, some have denounced their peers’ language as discriminatory, others defended traditional terminology – and both sides claim they have only the best interests of autistic people in mind. Some fear the dispute will harm the field and silence researchers. Others see it as a long overdue reckoning.
Autism: Disorder or Difference? – Health
