Name: Gemma
Comments: This to me, is the same as using swear words. Some people will always be offended. Others don't care. But in the big scheme of things, does it really matter? It's just words!
Name: Wendy
Comment: As a mom of an autistic child, I think it depends on the content. When you are in that [to] educate the world to accept our children, using autism parent is almost necessary. People need to know that you have first hand knowledge of what is it like to live as a parent in this world called autism. It holds so much more power then say someone that has a cousin who has a friend who’s son’s daughter’s boyfriends brother is autistic. But when you just meet people you’re dad and dad first. Or if people question but it’s not the written word or a forum for education maybe just saying my child is autistic is better. Can you see what I’m trying to say?
As for confusion if you are the parent of an autistic child or autistic yourself, I can tell right away because someone who is autistic never says “autism” parent. They would say autistic parent.
Name: Hannah
Comments: It’s simple grammar. I am autistic, so if I become a parent one day, I will be an autistic parent. A parent that is Neurotypical but has autistic children are parents with autistic children.
For me, there is a clear difference between an Autism Dad and Autistic Dad. I don't see the confusion at all. Often times, when discussing about raising 3 autistic children it is hard to please everyone's position on what exact terminology should be used. It is hard because you know someone will be unhappy or angry at whatever term you end up using.
I have encountered in the past that some people do not want you to say that you are raising 3 autistic children, they rather you to say just 3 children. The problem is that in order to explain/seek advice about some of the challenges you might be facing as a parent due to certain behaviours, the autism factor should be mentioned. It is not optional but crucial for the discussion.
Name: Anna
Comments: I agree with you. We aren't just the typical "Moms" and "Dads" we are autism parents. There are still so.many people who need to be educated. I'm still learning myself. We just got our diagnosis on the 13th of June but we've known for a while. I think we'll always be learning about our wonderful precious gifts.
Name: Vae
Comments: I don't think, it should even matter. People are getting offended by words so easily nowadays, however you do it, you're doing it wrong anyway.
If your intentions are right (And non-offensive) than people shouldn't be offended, however you put it. If they do anyway - their problem.