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Promote Respectful Language
  1. Signatures
    243 out of 500
  2. Created By
    Dora Raymaker
    Portland, OR
About this Petition Pledge
Why This Is Important

Negative, disempowering language can hurt the feelings and self-worth of people on the spectrum and their families and friends.  Even people who may have difficulty expressing themselves often can understand receptively what is said around and about them--it is a false assumption that autistic people "don't understand" when called a "retard," a "victim," or a "burden."  These words indeed cause "suffering."

The National Center on Disability and Journalism gives the following guideline regarding the use of pity oriented language:

"Afflicted with (also see 'stricken with,' 'suffers from,' 'victim of') These terms come with the assumption that a person with a disability is in fact suffering or living a reduced quality of life. Instead, use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability. Not every person with a disability 'suffers,' is a 'victim' or 'stricken.' Instead simply state the facts about the nature of the person's disability."

One of the biggest--and easiest!--ways you can make a difference in the lives of autistic people right now is to pledge to promote respectful language to us, about us, and around us.  Avoid pity-oriented terms, don't use "the R-word" (retard), and always ask yourself: "How would I feel if someone used this word about me?" before speaking or writing about autism.  And encourage others to do the same!

Why People Are Signing
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Promote Respectful Language

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Negative, disempowering language can hurt the feelings and self-worth of people on the spectrum and their families and friends.&nbsp; Even people who may have difficulty expressing themselves often can understand receptively what is said around and about them--it is a false assumption that autistic people "don&#39;t understand" when called a "retard," a "victim," or a "burden."&nbsp; These words indeed cause "suffering."<br /><br />The <a href='http://www.ncdj.org'>National Center on Disability and Journalism</a> gives the following guideline regarding the use of pity oriented language:<br /><br />"Afflicted with (also see &#39;stricken with,&#39; &#39;suffers from,&#39; &#39;victim of&#39;) These terms come with the assumption that a person with a disability is in fact suffering or living a reduced quality of life. Instead, use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability. Not every person with a disability &#39;suffers,&#39; is a &#39;victim&#39; or &#39;stricken.&#39; Instead simply state the facts about the nature of the person&#39;s disability."<br /><br />One of the biggest--and easiest!--ways you can make a difference in the lives of autistic people right now is to pledge to promote respectful language to us, about us, and around us.&nbsp; Avoid pity-oriented terms, don&#39;t use "the R-word" (retard), and always ask yourself: "How would I feel if someone used this word about me?" before speaking or writing about autism.&nbsp; And encourage others to do the same!

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