LibGuides: Autism Acceptance Month: Home

Changing Language, Symbols, and Diagnosis Standards

Autism is continuously being studied and definitions and language around it are changing. This guide aims to offer a plethora of perspectives.

Read more about the changing language and symbols below:

Autism No Puzzle, Nothing Wrong With Us
This article discusses the change from the puzzle piece symbol to the infinity symbol.
The Ableist History of the Puzzle Piece Symbol for Autism
This article discusses the history of the puzzle piece symbol and why many autistic people find this harmful.
The Disturbing History of Dr. Asperger and the Movement to Reframe the Syndrome
This article discusses why many in the Autistic community do not like the history of the term "Asperger" which has been removed as an official diagnosis in 2013.
Uncovering the Controversy of Autism Speaks: What You Should Know
This opinion piece discusses some of the perceived issues with Autism Speaks.
OPINION: Autism 'Awareness' and Autism Speaks are Misleading
An opinion piece written by an autistic person discussing Autism Speaks.
Autism "Awareness" or "Acceptance"?
Autism community calls on media to move from using “awareness” to “acceptance” this April 2022 to foster change and inclusivity for those affected by Autism.
Identify First Language: Person with Autism or Autistic Person?
This article grapples with which is more appropriate, and discusses how autistic people may feel differently than those who are parents of people with Autism.

What is Autism?

"Autism is a complex developmental disorder distinguished by difficulties with social interaction, verbal and nonverbal communication, and behavioral problems, including repetitive behaviors and narrow focus of interest. As of 2013, practitioners group autism with the former diagnoses Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder in the autism spectrum disorders (ASD)."

Davidson, T., Turkington, C. A., & Blackwell, A. H. (2018). Autism. In J. L. Longe (Ed.), Gale virtual reference library: The Gale encyclopedia of nursing and allied health (4th ed.). Gale. Credo Reference: https://proxy01.nwacc.edu/login?url=https://search.credoreference.com/content/entry/galegnaah/autism/0?institutionId=5073

Need More Research?

Wiley Online Library This link opens in a new window
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ProQuest Central This link opens in a new window
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Serves as the central resource for researchers at all levels. Covering more than 160 subjects areas, ProQuest Central is the largest aggregated database of periodical content. This award-winning online reference resource features a highly-respected, diversified mix of content including scholarly journals, trade publications, magazines, books, newspapers, reports and videos. *This is a Traveler resource. The Traveler Statewide Resource project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Psychology Database This link opens in a new window
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Provides abstracts and indexing for more than 640 titles, with over 540 titles available in full text. Many titles are indexed in PsycINFO. Coverage ranges from behavioral, clinical, cognitive, developmental, experimental, industrial and social psychology, along with personality, psychobiology and psychometrics. *This is a Traveler resource. The Traveler Statewide Resource project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.