03/12/2026
Something I’ve been sitting with lately.
I’m preparing for a presentation this April with two other Autistic self-advocates to the Michigan Autism Council in Lansing. The Council plays an important role in shaping and informing autism-related policy across the state.
Together we’ll be sharing perspectives on autism through an Autistic lens, language, lived experience, and neurodiversity-affirming practice.
Language is not neutral.
The words systems use to describe autism shape policy, services, education, healthcare, and public understanding.
My section focuses on autism across the lifespan and the power of language in shaping systems.
As part of preparing, I began reviewing Michigan’s autism websites and policy documents.
A pattern quickly emerged.
delay
deficit
impairment
red flags
treatment
Page after page of language centered on what is “wrong.”
In one initial review alone, I counted over 470 instances of deficit-based or medical-model language embedded throughout these materials and that was only within a portion of the documents.
What is absent is equally telling.
There is no mention of Autistic wellbeing.
No recognition of autism across the lifespan.
No meaningful inclusion of Autistic perspective or lived experience.
And this matters.
Because language doesn’t just describe autism, it shapes systems.
Language influences policy.
It influences education. ( )
It influences healthcare. ( )
It influences employment. ( )
And it shapes how Autistic people are understood, supported, and valued in society. ( )
The Michigan Autism Council currently includes 16 members, with one Autistic self-advocate.
Representation and perspective shape the conversations that follow.
Michigan has the opportunity to lead in this space.
Re-examining the language embedded in policy and public guidance is one place meaningful change can begin.
Systems don’t change overnight.
But sometimes a small step towards change begins with a conversation.
