”Not a trouble”: A mixed-method study of autism-related language preferences by French-Canadian adults from the autism community

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Fecteau, S. M., Normand, C. L., Normandeau, G., Cloutier, I., Guerrero, L., Turgeon, S., & Poulin, M. H. (2024). ”Not a trouble”: A mixed-method study of autism-related language preferences by French-Canadian adults from the autism community. Neurodiversity, 2. https://doi.org/10.1177/27546330241253696

Publication date: 1 Jan 2024 Added to AutiHub: 5 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English
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Authors

Publication authors
7
Publication authors identified as autistic
1 / 7 (14.3%)
  1. Stéphanie-M. Fecteau
  2. Claude L. Normand
  3. Gabriel Normandeau
  4. Isia Cloutier
  1. Lucila Guerrero *
  2. Stéphanie Turgeon
  3. Marie-Hélène Poulin

Abstract

Finding a consensual term for persons diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder has recently been debated in the scientific literature. Considering the stigma associated with using terms deemed offensive, it is paramount to address autism respectfully and consensually. As of now, this study is the first to consult French-Canadian participants beyond autistic people themselves. This mixed-method study aimed to document and understand the preference and offensiveness of terms used to refer to persons living with autism. Participants ( N = 327) were adults who self-identified as part of the autism community (i.e., autistic person, family or friends, professionals, or clinicians). By means of an online survey, they rated and ranked six terms used to designate an autistic person. Participants also explained their ranking. Results show no consensus for the use of any one specific term. A clear dichotomy appears between autistic adults’ and professionals’ preferences in terminology. The latter prioritized terms related to the medical model, whereas autistic persons preferred using identity-related language. Among all respondents, Autistic person was the most preferred and least offensive term. Thus, we suggest asking for the concerned person's preference whenever possible or using terminology preferred by the majority when this cannot be done. Lay abstract Recent studies and editorials by autism researchers suggest distancing ourselves from the medical terms used to name autism. Considering the stigma associated with using terms deemed offensive and the influence culture has on language, it is paramount to address autism respectfully and consensually in a culturally sensitive way. As of now, data on the French-Canadian population has yet to be collected. Participants ( N = 327) who self-identified as part of the autism community (i.e., autistic person, family or friends, professionals, or clinicians) completed an online survey. They rated and ranked six terms used to designate an autistic person. Participants also explained their ranking. Among all respondents, Autistic person was the most preferred and least offensive term by most respondents. An apparent dichotomy appears between autistic adults’ and professionals’ preferences in terminology. The latter prioritized terms related to the medical model, whereas autistic persons preferred using identity-related language. However, considering the French syntax, the latter justified their preference based on identity-first and person-first principles. Because results show no consensus for one term, we suggest asking for the concerned person's preference whenever possible or using terminology preferred by the majority when this can’t be done.

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Cited references
33
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
12 / 33 (36.4%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
16 / 89 (18.0%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 16 / 63 (25.4%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 12 / 72 (16.7%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
63 / 89 (70.8%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 46 / 72 (63.9%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
47 / 63 (74.6%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 47 / 89 (52.8%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 34 / 46 (73.9%).
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