Autism should be thought of as a condition, or possibly as a disability, but not a disease or disorder. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains the medical term for autism, but autism spectrum condition (ASC) is an alternative.4,6
While some people may still use terms such as Asperger’s (indicating autistic people with average or above average IQ), mild or severe, or high or low functioning, these can be considered too simplistic or even offensive.
It may be more considerate to talk about how autism affects an individual. For example: “He is autistic and has a learning disability so needs support with everyday things like cooking and dressing.” Or: “Her autism means she can struggle with the social side of the workplace.”4
There is no ‘cure’ and advocacy groups encourage others to see autism as a difference and not a disadvantage.1