During my research on the Internet culture of autism I learned many words and used them when appropriate throughout my hypertext project. I kept a list of these words and their definitions for reference not only because some are clinical terms but also for clarification of proper use. To some readers these terms may appear to be derogatory but for auties and their families or friends these terms are part of everyday communications.

Glossary

Aspie– used to describe a person with asperger’s syndrome or how a person with aspergers would categorize him or herself (He’s an aspie)

Autism– a physical condition of the brain that effects communication, social interaction, and limits range of activities and interests

Autists/Autie/Auties-person(s) with a condition on the autism spectrum (a group of autists, she’s an autie, those men are auties)

Anti-cure – autistic culture perspective that autism as a way of life is valid and unique, and should be appreciated and embraced rather than “cured.” Also, neurological differences should be respected as a social category (see neurodiversity)

Curebie– person who hopes for a cure for the condition. This can be meant as a derogatory categorization. Denotes a philosophical and political perspective that is opposite of pro-autie culture

Stimming– the term is shorthand for self-stimulation. It is an action for self-soothing and presents as repetitive body part or whole body movements, such as hand flapping, spinning, head movement/hitting, turning, pacing, rocking, or repeating words/phrases. Hypothetically, the function for stimming is related to sensory input overload and is an outlet for elevated emotions such as fear, joy, sadness, etc ( I was excited about the date and I was stimming hard)

Neurodiversity – concept of neurodiversity was developed by autistic people in opposition to the pathologizing or “curing” model.According to them autistic people are not disordered. They have a different sort of order. Autism as a way of life is valid and unique. Rather than being cured or shunned neurological differences should be respected as a social category.

Neurotypical(s) -neurotypical is used to categorize a culture, group, or person(s) not on the autism spectrum. As in the neurotyopical society or that person is neurotypical. In blogs, chat-rooms, and text the abbreviation NT is often used (I had a date with an NT last night)