The Weight of Words: Inclusive Language for Educators

Explore why the language we choose to use, both when speaking to and about children, matters. Review growth vs deficit mindset, positive language use, the social model of disability, and focus on specific terminology that is considered outdated and harmful. Some of which, directly relate to ASD, such as functioning labels (high/low functioning), while others are general terms used to speak about Neurodiverse populations or disability, such as “special needs”/“special interests.”