AP style: The stylebook states that its acceptable to use the word autism as an umbrella term for a group of developmental disorders. It also says it is acceptable to use the word autism in stories. Its symptoms include muscle weakness and paralysis. However, this term is not widely used. The word condition is often a good substitute that avoids judgement. Signs and symptoms of dysarthria vary, depending on the underlying cause and the type of dysarthria. It calls for use of a lower case d in all usages. Journalists should consider other ways of describing a persons ability to function in society. While those with Tourette syndrome often can suppress tics by focusing on them, the disorder also can be treated with medication, relaxation techniques and therapy. For more information, consult the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division Disability Rights Section. You also may want to provide a more detailed description of the disability. When interviewing someone who is non-verbal, be flexible. Refer specifically to the physical changes. While caregiver and caretaker often are used interchangeably, they imply something different. Symptoms include restlessness, difficulty in focusing or staying organized and impulsivity. It is the most common neural tube defect in the U.S. AP style: Cripple is considered offensive when used to describe a person who is lame or disabled. When possible, refer to a persons specific condition. When renowned scientist Stephen Hawking died in 2018, media accounts referred to him as finally free of the wheelchair he used for decades. If a medical diagnosis is not available, use quotes around the term and indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed. NCDJ Recommendation: Ask people how they would like to be described. Background: According to the National Association for Gifted Children, giftedness is characterized by the capacity to perform above the level of ones peers. Onset could be in infancy, childhood, middle age or later. Originally called falling sickness in English, the word has roots in Greek and Latin. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to a person with albinism, rather than an albino. Disability advocacy groups emphasize that it is important not to assume people are homebound if they are disabled. Do not say the person had a fit or had an epileptic fit.. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as catatonic only if it is part of a medical diagnosis. Instead use the word condition and try to identify the specific diagnosis if possible. Many experts classify autism as a developmental disability. Such tics are recurrent, involuntary and non-rhythmic. AP style: The stylebook recommends using partial hearing loss or partially deaf for those who have some hearing loss. Background: Hard of hearing is the most common term for those who have a mild to moderate hearing loss that may or may not be corrected with amplification. Did you know that It is characterized by unusually intense shifts in emotion, energy, behavior and activity levels in what are called mood episodes. Such episodes are usually classified as manic, hypomanic, depressive or mixed episodes. AP style: Addressed in entry for Trauma, suggesting that traumatic brain injury is an acceptable use of the word trauma., Background: A caregiver is an individual who provides direct care to people with disabilities and others, according to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary. For example, the National Center on Deaf-Blindness retains the hyphen. If you are going to use it in a quote, consider that decision carefully, as the word is particularly charged. Avoid using the word shrink in reference to a mental health professional except in a quote. To become an interpreter, an individual must not only display bilingual and bicultural proficiency but also have the ability to mediate meanings across languages and cultures, both simultaneously and consecutively. Plain English is sometimes known as plain language or Everyday English. Thus, deafness may be viewed as a condition that prevents an individual from receiving sound in all or most of its forms. NCDJ Recommendation: Neurodiversity can be used as a way of describing someone on the autism spectrum, but because its a relatively new term, consider offering the definition when you use it, particularly in work meant for a mainstream audience. In short, impairment refers to the condition of an organ or structure of the body; disability means that a person has a functional limitation due to an impairment. Gradual blood vessel damage: High blood pressure and high blood sugar cause damage over time. Others prefer it to disabled because dis means not, which means that disabled means not able. But particularly when it comes to referring to individuals, differently abled is problematic. The technique was originally developed to help those with significant developmental disabilities, such as some forms of autism and cerebral palsy. Dont assume all people who engage in misuse have an addiction. Background: There are a number of types of mental health professionals. Additional material: I Dont Have Autism, Im Autistic, Lenny Letter. Avoid referring to the disabled in the same way that you would avoid referring to the Asians, the Jews or the African Americans. When describing individuals, do not reference disabilities unless it is clearly pertinent to the story. Archaeologist Elisa Perego coined the term long COVID to refer to people with lasting symptoms. OCD may present as a fear of contamination, disarray or intrusion, according to the Mayo Clinic. The association recommends using people-first language to describe mental illness in order to avoid defining people by their disability. However, advocates support the device for suitable candidates. It can be appropriate when used in a medical context, such as abnormal curvature of the spine or an abnormal test result. However, when used to describe an individual, abnormal is widely viewed as derogatory. It is considered highly derogatory to describe someone with Down syndrome as being mongoloid.. Aging and exposure to loud noise may cause wear and tear on the hairs or nerve cells in the The term midget was used in the past to describe an unusually short and proportionate person. The concept of triggering originated with early psychoanalytical diagnoses of posttraumatic stress disorder, called war neuroses, in WWI veterans. AP style: Not specifically addressed, but the style book suggests not using such terms without asking for an individuals preference. For example: He has muscular dystrophy., Conforms to AP style that suggests avoiding descriptions that connote pity., Background: According to the Mayo Clinic, albinism typically refers to oculocutaneous (ok-u-low-ku-TAY-nee-us) albinism (OCA) a group of inherited disorders that results in little or no production of the pigment melanin. Some people have a physical characteristic that is not a result of an amputation. Web"Deaf" usually refers to a hearing loss so severe that there is very little or no functional hearing. The case for nonspeaking is outlined by the non-profit organization The Guild for Human Services. Background: Total blindness is the complete lack of perception of either light or form. Laws against suicide have been repealed in the U.S. and many other places. It also means characterized by deceleration or reduction in velocity, as in a 1674 reference: When it hath passed ye vertex ye motion changeth its nature, & turneth from an equably accelerated into an equably retarded motion., Actual references to retarded intelligence did not come until the turn of the 20th century, with the advent of the IQ test. Psychoanalyst: A specific type of psychotherapist trained to work with both an individuals unconscious and unconscious mind. Chronic illnesses such as Parkinsons disease, diabetes, lupus or Crohns disease may fall into the category of invisible disabilities. A child learns to speak by hearing the speech of others in the family and surroundings. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using lame or lamebrain to describe a person except in a quote. The stylebook also warns against drawing a connection between mental illness and violent crime and recommends that any source used to characterize a criminal suspects mental health history should have the authority to speak on the matter. Background: These phrases are used to describe conditions in which arms, legs, fingers, or toes are missing, not fully formed or shaped in a different way, either as a result of an amputation or a congenital condition. Sometimes people with quadriplegia refer to themselves as quads. In these cases, use in quotes. Similarly, there is not really a good way to describe the nature of a condition. They recommend color vision deficiency.. Background: A person who has a congenital disability has had a disability since birth. If a medical diagnosis is not available, use quotes around the term and indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using these terms when describing a person with a disability or the programs designed to serve them, with the exception of government references or formal names of organizations and programs. For example, the terms failed attempt or successful or completed attempt depict suicide as a goal, project or solution. For example, The doctor said he was retarded, a term widely used at the time., AP style: Mentally retarded should be avoided. Background: The majority of people with disabilities have chronic conditions that are invisible or hidden. WebBackground: The terms hearing impaired and hearing impairment are sometimes used to describe people with hearing loss that ranges from partial to complete. Many chronic health conditions also are considered invisible disabilities, depending on their severity and impact on daily living. Its proper name is major depressive disorder. The institute says that related diagnoses include seasonal affective disorder (characterized by the onset of depression during the winter months), psychotic depression (a combination of psychosis and depression), and postpartum depression (sometimes experienced by mothers after giving birth). A birth defect is a physical or biochemical difference that is present at birth. Brain damage. According to Merriam Webster, homebound means confined to the home. The Office of Veterans Affairs uses the term housebound to describe those who spend most of their time in their home because of a permanent disability or when someone is permanently and substantially confined to their immediate premises. However, the terms are sometimes applied incorrectly to people with disabilities who require some mobility assistance but who are relatively independent. However, avoid using such words to describe a person. AP style: PTSD is acceptable on either first or second reference but should be spelled out at least one time. Some organizations suggest avoiding the terms demented, dementing, dements, senile or senility to refer to someone with dementia. Tetraplegia is used interchangeably with quadriplegia.. Use obsessive-compulsive disorder on first reference; OCD is acceptable in second reference. Background: Diversability is a term coined by Tiffany Yu, a disability rights advocate. Background: Dwarfism is a medical or genetic condition that results in a stature below 410, according to Little People of America. However, The National Association of the Deaf supports the identity-first approach. AP style: The stylebook allows the use of vegetative state, describing it as a condition in which the eyes are open and can move, and the patient has periods of sleep and periods of wakefulness, but remains unconscious, unaware of self or others.. AP style: The style book urges avoidance of the term special education and suggests trying to be specific about the needs or services in question. It is more accurate to cite the specific disability or disabilities in question. Plain English looks and sounds like standard forms of writing. Another version, Easy English, aims at a lower reading level with short sentences often accompanied by pictures. People with albinism also are sensitive to the effects of the sun and are at increased risk of developing skin cancer., According to the National Organization on Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH), there is debate over whether albinism is a disability, but it is often referred to as one because of issues associated with vision. A note about person-first language. Many prefer blind or blind person, while others prefer a person with blindness. Other commonly used terms include: Because these terms tend to be imprecise, consider asking how the visual condition affects acuity. NCDJ Recommendation:Avoid using cripple as either a noun or verb unless you are describing the crip movement or if its in a direct quote. People with OCD usually exhibit both obsessions and compulsions but sometimes exhibit only one or the other. Deaf and hard of hearing are the terms recommended by the World Federation of the Deaf and The National Association of the Deaf. Jon Henner, an assistant professor at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, who is Deaf, describes himself as a crip linguist., While some activists have embraced the word, adopting hashtags such as #criplit and #cripthevote, others are very much against its use. It is a negative commotation. Referring to someone as a paraplegic is offensive to some people as it implies that their condition defines them. The World Federation of the Deaf has taken the stance that hearing impaired is no longer an acceptable term. The Registry of Interpreters of the Deaf has a searchable database of registered interpreters. AP style: Disabled is described as a general term for a physical, mental, developmental or intellectual disability. In addition to their cognitive component, many types of dementia include physical symptoms, such as the abnormal eye movements of Huntingtons disease or the tremors associated with Parkinsons disease. Severe implies judgement; significant might be better. AP style: The style book suggests naming the specific condition when possible rather than making a general reference. NCDJ Recommendation: Specify American Sign Language on first reference, capitalizing all three words. Many dislike NCDJ Recommendation: It is preferable to use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability, simply stating the facts about the nature of the disability. Some people with mild to moderate hearing loss may affiliate themselves with the Deaf community and prefer to be referred to as deaf instead of hard of hearing. Alternatively, some who are profoundly deaf may prefer the term hard of hearing.. The pandemic altered the way many people think about disability, as people who had never encountered such obstacles were suddenly unable to leave their houses. NCDJ Recommendation: Do not use the term retarded or other iterations. Do not use bipolar as an adjective for something other than a medical condition as for example, when referring to something that rapidly or drastically changes. Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by unreasonable thoughts and fears that lead to repetitive and often ritualized behaviors or compulsions. This is caused by the muscles that are used to create speech not functioning properly or to their best ability. NCDJ Recommendation: When writing about Tiffany Yus group, use Diversability as a proper name. Whenever possible, specify the specific illness a person has rather than mental illness in general. Background: Tetraplegia, used interchangeably with quadriplegia, is defined as the paralysis of all four limbs as well as the torso. Background: Dyslexia is a learning disability characterized by challenges identifying speech sounds and learning how to connect them to letters and words, according to the Mayo Clinic. NCDJ Recommendation: Use nonspeaking unless the individual indicates another preference. While these often are technological in nature, such as speech-generating devices, interactive touch screens or amplifiers to boost volume, they also may include drawing, gesturing, signing, finger spelling or picture books, among others. AP style: The style book states that congenital disorder is acceptable and recommends being specific about the condition. It is the preferred terminology in Great Britain and by a number of U.S. disability activists. NCDJ Recommendation: It is preferable to use neutral language when describing a person who has a disability, simply stating the facts about the nature of the disability. Background: According to the University of Kansas Research & Training Center on Independent Living, learning disability describes a neurologically based condition that may manifest itself as difficulty learning and using skills in reading (called dyslexia), writing (dysgraphia), mathematics (dyscalculia) and other cognitive processes due to differences in how the brain processes information. Color vision deficiency is becoming more widely used, but you may have to explain its meaning, depending upon the context. More serious causes of dysarthria, or sudden slurred speech, include NCDJ Recommendation: Because it is not commonly used, particularly in the U.S., include a definition when using the term. NCDJ Recommendation: Ask the person with the disability how they would like to be described. If one method of communication fails to work, try another. Twice-exceptional students represent a unique group of learners with diverse programming and emotional needs due to the fact that they may have both gifts and disabilities.. AP style: The stylebook refers, without comment, to albino, albinos. Use the term dissociative identity disorder, not multiple personality disorder, and avoid the acronym DID.. I legit ignore every notification with the word in it.. Background: The Americans with Disabilities Act is federal civil rights legislation that was signed into law in 1990 to address discrimination on the basis of disability in employment, public accommodations, transportation and telecommunications as well as state and local government services. It is characterized by new muscle weakness, joint and muscle pain and fatigue., NCDJ Recommendation: Use the term polio rather than infantile paralysis. Although involuntary cursing is commonly thought to be a key trait of the disorder, only a minority of those with Tourette syndrome exhibit this symptom. It is not caused by problems in the muscles or nerves but by differences in parts of the brain that control muscle movement. Able-bodied is an appropriate term to use in some cases, such as when referring to government reports on the proportion of able-bodied members in the workforce. When covering AA, consider referring to members by their first name only unless official references or context requires otherwise. Such events may include assault, war, sexual assault, natural disasters, car accidents or imprisonment. Neurodiversity basically means that brains operate differently and thats not a bad thing. Instead, define it as an electronic device that can assist a person who is deaf or hard of hearing in understanding speech. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having PTSD only if the information is relevant to the story and youre confident there is a medical diagnosis. Instead, refer to the persons specific condition or use person with a disability. The terms are still widely used and generally acceptable when citing laws, regulations, places or things, such as handicapped parking, although many prefer the term accessible parking. Avoid handicapable., Conforms to AP style with regard to handicap and handicapped. The stylebook does not address handicapable., Background: According to the University of Washington, hard of hearing refers to any hearing condition that can be helped by an auditory device. 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