The title of this post is based on an important piece of writing by Mayer Shevin, "The Language of Us and Them." This piece brought to light the power of words to either empower or demean individuals with disabilities. While I do think that we have gotten a little out of control with our "politically-correct" language, I also believe that our words can either subtly or overtly indicate our society's thoughts and opinions about a group of people.
I recently attended an Autism conference with an excellent speaker who is a respected professional in the field. At one point during the presentation, the speaker was discussing a recent research study. Specifically being discussed was where people with Autism tended to look on faces (the mouth versus the eyes).
The speaker began this segment by saying "When you or I look at people's faces..." I counted three other times during the speech when the phrase "when you or I" was used. At other conferences, I have heard similar statements made: "People like you and I," "Keep in mind that you're neurotypical," and "It makes sense to them, but not to us."
You may be thinking, "Okay, so what? They were conferences for parents and professionals. What's wrong with addressing the crowd that way?"
I believe that the use of this language indicates a basic assumption that we have that people with Autism would be incapable of attending and participating in an Autism conference. However, more than one individual on the Autism spectrum was in attendance at these conferences. They were, in fact, speakers at the conferences! Why do we assume that a person with Autism could not be in the conference crowd?
Ellen Notbohm advises educators to view each student with Autism "as a capable adult and hold that vision." One of my goals as an educator is to see all of my students this way. While it is impossible to know what their adult outcome will be, this viewpoint enables me to teach them respectfully and prepare them for the most independent future possible. With the developments of educational programs that value their talents and gifts while remediating their deficits, students with Autism are often achieving more than anyone used to think was possible. So, the next time you attend a conference, meeting, or other event, stop and think. You might just be seeing some of my former students there.
References
"The Language of Us and Them" by Mayer Shevin
http://www.shevin.org/articles-usthem.html
"Ten Things Your Student with Autism Wishes You Knew" By Ellen Notbohm and Veronica Zysk. Publisher: Future Horizons
