The Autism Society Event and Education Recordings Archive

Many autism self-advocates and others on the spectrum (including a number of autism professionals), are experiencing unexpected personal and professional communication issues and roadblocks to acceptance as a result of language choices which they (and others around them) have been urged to use and and to consider appropriate. These barriers are most noticeable and consequential in adulthood, but have significant effects throughout the lifespan. These difficult interpersonal issues and life skills issues are only beginning to be addressed in the research literature, but are a matter of daily concern and heated discussion for the people whom these issues impact — especially when their concerns and needs intersect with occupational, professional and/or self-advocacy priorities and requirements. Social interactions, education/training, and workplace success may all be impacted by the encouragement of language choices which these individuals do not necessarily experience as reflecting an accurate understanding of their own experiences, or as permitting and facilitating autism acceptance.