Talking about autism-thoughts for researchers.

Robison (2019) is a short think-piece, not an experiment.

The author asked: when we write or talk about autism, are our words kind and accurate?

The paper gives plain tips for researchers so they stop saying things that hurt autistic people.

There is no data table.

The finding is a warning: language that sounds clinical or pitiful can spread stigma.

Elder urges person-centered phrases like “autistic adult” or “person on the spectrum” only if the person likes it.

Shogren (2024) widens the same plea to all intellectual disability work. That paper says “do research with, not on” and echoes Elder’s call to share power.

Hull et al. (2021) show the idea in action. They let autistic adults set sexuality research goals, proving respectful talk can steer the whole agenda.

Neuman (2018) mirrors the method. Both papers are short, punchy position pieces that tell behavior analysts to drop jargon and speak like a neighbor.

Your intake form, progress note, or parent email is a mini-publication. Swap “low-functioning” for “needs daily support,” ask clients their preferred label, and read it back to them. These micro-moves cut stigma and build trust before the first trial begins.