In this episode of Autistic Advocacy, hosts Dr. Angela Kingdon and Matt Lowry, LPP examine the power of labels—whether they harm, help, or heal in Autistic culture.

🎧 What You’ll Learn:

• The difference between deficit-based medical labels like “autism spectrum disorder” and identity-affirming labels like “Autistic.”
• How pathologizing language props up harmful industries like ABA, while affirming language supports self-acceptance and pride.
• Why functioning labels (high/low functioning) are rejected as inaccurate and stigmatizing.
• How labels can strategically secure services and accommodations in a non-inclusive society.
• The history of neurodiversity as a movement, pioneered by Jim Sinclair in the 1980s.
• Why listening to Autistic people about the labels they prefer is essential to justice and representation.
• Comparisons between Deaf Culture and Autistic Culture, and how cultural identity builds pride and belonging.
• The link between labels, mental health, and self-advocacy for Autistics.
• How media representation and chosen labels shape public perception, combat stereotypes, and affirm humanity.

Resources:

• Autism Representation in the Media
• Carl Gustav Arvid Olof Croneberg’s NY Times Obituary
• Autism Rights Activist Jim Sinclair
• Spirit Airlines kicks 4-year-old boy with autism off flight for not wearing mask

Related Episodes

Welcome to Autistica

Bad Autism Diagnosis

Autistic Medical Needs

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