The Autistic Young Experts (AYE) have co-produced a powerful Terminology Guide called ‘Why Words Matter’, which aims to reshape the language used about autism.  

Their journey in creating this Guide is a story of empowerment, lived experience, and advocacy, demonstrating why words truly matter in education and wider society. 

The Terminology Guide is more than a resource—it's a call for change.  

Rooted in the belief that autism is a difference, not a deficit, the Guide challenges outdated language that labels or diminishes autistic people and can make autistic people feel that they somehow need ‘fixing’.  

'Why Words Matter’ embraces a strengths-based approach towards neurodivergent differences. Through the voices and lived experiences of the young experts, it advocates for positive, inclusive language that fosters understanding and respect and promotes and embeds equality and diversity. 

The Panel of 17 to 25-year-old autistic experts shared their lived experiences through debate and discussion that shaped every term and definition. 

The autistic voices are pivotal. They’ve faced the barriers, judgement and personal sadness that exposure to the wrong language can create. They know how it feels to be misunderstood, judged or invalidated. But they also know the power of being heard, celebrated, and seen for who they truly are. 

It encourages everyone to move away from terms that pathologise autism, like ‘disorder’ ‘deficit’ and ‘intervention’, and instead focus on individuality, uniqueness, diversity, difference, different needs, and support.  

The Autistic Young Experts Panel have highlighted that the words chosen by education professionals directly influence how autistic students are treated, how they perceive themselves, and how inclusive our classrooms are, or are not. 

This resource isn't about semantics - it's about fostering environments where autistic young people can thrive. Adopting the language suggested in this Guide can help dismantle systemic barriers and promote equality and inclusion. 

We encourage all educators to read the Autistic Young Experts ‘Why Words Matter’ Terminology Guide and embed change in language that empowers our autistic students and creates classrooms where every learner feels valued.