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At Can't Sit Still, we respect every individual's right to describe themselves and express their identities in the way that feels best for them.
We also think it's important to be clear that as a company, there are some guidelines that we follow when talking about autism and neurodiversity. We respect neurodiversity: that the world consists of people of varying thinking and being styles, and we believe autistic people belong in the world. We want autistic people to be, and feel, accepted - for being autistic, and for being who they are. |
Being autistic, autistic people and Autism Spectrum Condition
We talk about ‘being autistic’, and 'autistic people’. We prefer using the term ‘Autistic Spectrum Condition’ (ASC) to ‘Autistic Spectrum Disorder' (ASD), to reinforce the fact that there isn’t anything wrong with being autistic! Autism describes a particular way of thinking and being in the world, not a problem or illness.
Describing our needs
We avoid phrases like ‘high functioning’ or ‘low functioning’, or ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ autism, as we understand that this can create inaccurate and unhelpful assumptions about autistic people.
We prefer to talk about our ‘support needs’ and ‘access requirements’, and we know that these can and will change. We understand that autistic people’s needs and requirements may not be obvious, and vary in different situations. Discussing our needs and the needs of others is always an open and ongoing conversation.
We are a learning organisation
We reflect on autistic-led autism research to ensure we are supporting autistic people in the most beneficial ways, and understand that this is constantly developing.
We know that as language, culture and society constantly evolve, so must we. We are happy to be challenged on any of our assumptions, and when we are, we take feedback on board and carefully consider what changes we can make. We’d like everyone we interact with to feel included and supported, and encourage further conversations to help us to do this.
We talk about ‘being autistic’, and 'autistic people’. We prefer using the term ‘Autistic Spectrum Condition’ (ASC) to ‘Autistic Spectrum Disorder' (ASD), to reinforce the fact that there isn’t anything wrong with being autistic! Autism describes a particular way of thinking and being in the world, not a problem or illness.
Describing our needs
We avoid phrases like ‘high functioning’ or ‘low functioning’, or ‘mild’ and ‘severe’ autism, as we understand that this can create inaccurate and unhelpful assumptions about autistic people.
We prefer to talk about our ‘support needs’ and ‘access requirements’, and we know that these can and will change. We understand that autistic people’s needs and requirements may not be obvious, and vary in different situations. Discussing our needs and the needs of others is always an open and ongoing conversation.
We are a learning organisation
We reflect on autistic-led autism research to ensure we are supporting autistic people in the most beneficial ways, and understand that this is constantly developing.
We know that as language, culture and society constantly evolve, so must we. We are happy to be challenged on any of our assumptions, and when we are, we take feedback on board and carefully consider what changes we can make. We’d like everyone we interact with to feel included and supported, and encourage further conversations to help us to do this.
