Introduction:
Language plays a central role in shaping social identities and understanding medical conditions such as autism. Despite increasing discussions of autism-related terminologies in Western languages, studies exploring these perceptions in the Chinese linguistic context are still scarce. This study investigates the preferences, familiarity, and perceptions of offensiveness associated with autism-related terms, considering Chinese cultural and linguistic specificities.
Methods:
Between June 23 and July 29, 2023, an online survey was conducted with 1,016 Chinese participants, including individuals with autism, parents of autistic children, autism experts, and the general public. The sample was obtained by convenience, using invitations from social media and support organizations. Participants rated 13 terms on a 7-point Likert scale for preference, familiarity, and perceived offensiveness. The analysis included one-way variance (ANOVA) and cluster analysis to identify underlying patterns in attitudes.
Results:
The most preferred terms among autistic individuals were “Neurodiversity” (神经多样性), “Spectrum” (谱系), and “Autism Spectrum Disorder 1” (孤独症谱系障碍), which were also considered the least offensive. In contrast, “Closed-in child” (闭娃) and “High/low functioning” (高/低功能) were widely viewed as unfavorable and offensive terms. Cluster analysis revealed six distinct patterns of attitudes, with significant variations across the different identity groups.
Discussion:
The results show significant differences between autistic individuals and other groups regarding terminology preferences. Autistic individuals favor terms that reflect diversity and identity, rejecting stigmatizing or pathologizing expressions. On the other hand, parents and experts tend to prefer formal or widely used terminologies, such as “Asperger’s” and “Autism Spectrum Disorder 2” (自闭症). It is notable that “Neurodiversity” is still little known among parents, despite its high acceptance among autistic individuals.
Conclusions:
This study expands the global discussion on autism-related terminology to the Chinese context, highlighting the influences of social and cultural identities. The findings suggest the need for greater awareness of neurodiversity and respect for the preferences of autistic individuals when choosing terms. The findings also reinforce the importance of considering local and cultural perspectives in global debates on autism.
Reference :
Lao, U., et al. (2024). Unveiling the Perceptions of Autism-Related Chinese Language Among the Autism Community and the General Public. Autism in Adulthood. DOI: 10.1089/aut.2024.0001.
