I am a non-speaking autistic.
All the other names are totally inaccurate and could be offensive.
Non-verbal is inaccurate if you take the time to look up what it means – that I don’t communicate using language – 100% I talk by writing out words, by pointing to letters or typing.
Low-functioning is inaccurate and insulting. I am unilaterally much higher functioning in many areas than a great percentage of humans.
100% calling me anything other than Jordyn is rude. Autism is a part of me and I am not a diagnosis or a label. Do I call you diabetic or be all over your parents about why you are behaving rudely?
I know I am ranting to the choir, and I’m asking you to please educate those around you. Labels and diagnoses are not an appropriate way to talk about someone. I am smart, funny, spiritual, strong, and a non-speaking autistic.
Jordyn
Jordyn's Rocky Journey 
Very well said Jordyn.
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You know what I am?
Lucky and Blessed to have you.
Thanks for the continued blogs and insight, kiddo. It makes sharing your message an honour and privilege. ♡♡♡
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You are also sweet, funny, and a beauty.
I love you.
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Beautiful said!!!!
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You forgot Awesome as well!
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Well that is true, but I didn’t want to be a bragger.
You are an amazing and loving being.
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Yay Jordyn! Once again you are continuing to teach us how to behave. I used to hate it when people referred to people with schizophrenia as “Schizophrenics”, although a support group I belonged to was called, by the parent of one of the people who had schizophrenia “Friends of Schizophrenics”. This person created the organization (good for them). I am glad to say that name was changed, and the reason those parents named it that was that in that area, they weren’t educated. And they were doing their best, and started a group that was very helpful to many, many people. But, as you say, calling people by a diagnosis is insulting. It dehumanizes individuals, and puts them into a box. I am so glad to hear you say that. I have tried, as a nurse, very hard not to call people by their diagnosis. Each person we meet could be labled, But we are so much more than the small part of us that may warrant a label. I use my disability parking lable with joy, because it makes it easier for me to get my wheelchair out of my car, but I am much more than disabled, I am a woman, a shopper, a seamstress, an embroiderer, a spiritual person, a child of God. a mother of three amazing people, a mother in law of three wonderful people, and a very proud grandmother of five beautiful grandsons and daughters, whom I love deeply.
Thank you for your rant. It has been mine for over 50 years, Its wonderful to hear someone else shout it out.
Love, Mimi
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Can we have a support group for “uneducated people who throw labels around”? I vote you lead it. 😀
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You are also inspiring – as are your Mom and Dad
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Aren’t adjectives awesome Richard?
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Ah i’m still learning Jordyn!
I have always said “has autism”, but very rarely with Ted since I wasn’t about sharing with people… he was just Ted! Oskar’s body is more out of control so I tend to say something before people criticize him (“bad boy” or “bit of a devil” – on a bad day) I don’t want him hearing any of it!
My question is… would Oskar be non-speaking OR minimally speaking because he has many words but no expressive language? Which is correct?
Thank you for sharing… always such great insight!! Big Hugs!!
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Carly,
Oskar is Oskar!
I would say non-speaking because he isn’t using the spoken word to get his thoughts heard.
I can use my voice to get food or say “potty” when I need to go, but those are bodily needs not my self-expression. That is how I think of it. However, Oskar may view differently. So, do what feels good to you and he will correct you when we get him spelling to communicate.
I love you big time,
Jordyn
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Hey, Jordyn,
Going through your old posts tonight, loving everyone of them. Came across this one and I’d like to apologize for when in the past I’ve written non-verbal to mean non-speaking. It was totally an accident. Until relatively recently I honestly didn’t know there was a difference between the two terms. Now that I do it upsets me I’ve used it incorrectly in the past, because I’ve used it to reference non-speaking people whose words I truly admire.
For reference I’m a mostly-speaking autistic. I say mostly because I do often go non-speaking, my speaking abilities are like a roller coaster. Even when I am speaking I find it very hard to articulate and communicate without a script. Despite this though, I relate so much to what you write, more so than many other autistic bloggers (though I relate to every autistic person). My autism isn’t that much different than your autism, even though outside observers would think us very different. The only difference is that though I also have clinically recognized motor control issues, they’re just a bit less profound, and so I have a bit more control over my words and my body. Beyond that our autism is the same, and so I relate so much to your blog!
I gave a speech recently at the Autistics Present Symposium, and I mentioned your blog in it. I love love love it! I hope you see this comment even though it’s on an old post. Keep doing what your doing and keep advocating. You’re helping to change the world to become more loving and accepting!
Love,
– Quincy
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Wow Quincy! Thank you for the acknowledgement.
Don’t worry about mislabelling in the past, it is totally OK. Language and labels are tricky things, because caring how we use language can then stifle our expression if we get to about it. You will now add your voice to distinguishing the difference which is the important thing. I appreciate you and all your words so much. Thank you.
Your friend, Jordyn
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