I am a 9 year old girl who has recently been diagnosed with autism. During this process I have noticed another name for what I have is ASD or Autistic Spectrum Disorder. I am very proud to be autistic but I find calling autism a disorder absolutely absurd! It is a feature - neither good nor bad - just part of me like the colour of my hair or eyes. We don’t say people have blue eye disorder or even blonde hair disorder - why should autism be any different? 

I propose changing it to Autistic Spectrum Features - this shows autism for what it really is , an integral part of someone not a disorder.

I am starting this petition to help raise awareness that autism isn’t a bad thing and I would like to try and change the language that is used when talking about this to something more positive.

Calling autism a disorder is not fair and not right, it’s like an insult not just to me but the entire autistic community.

Thank you for reading this and I hope you can support me. 

Clementine Jenkins