Please note that use of language is always changing, so this page will also be subject to change. However, this might be a good place to start when reworking your content to avoid using ableist terms flippantly. There might be a time where some terms can be used with nuance, but it’s best to verify this with a sensitivity and diversity editor.
| Terms | Meanings or possible impacts | Suggestions |
| barren | When applied to people, this might be hurtful to those who are unable to conceive. | Child-free, cannot conceive. |
| crazy | This word is used so often (crazy rich) but is rooted in mocking mentally ill people. | For describing something excessive, try super (super rich). General substitutions can be words like: ridiculous, ludicrous |
| crippling | Has roots in labelling those who are mobility disabled. | For describing something like “crippling” pain, consider using debilitating or crushing. |
| delusional | While some people experience delusions as part of their mental illness, never use this as an insult, even if someone is misperceiving a situation. | Misunderstanding, misinterpreting, stubborn (if someone is refusing to face the truth. |
| differently abled/handicapable | Often pushed on the disabled community by non-disabled people. | Most disabled people use the word disabled as an identity. It’s not a bad word and this identity is often part of Disability Pride. Avoid euphemisms for identities. Consult with a sensitivity editor if you’re unsure. |
| dumb | Rooted in defining a person who doesn’t speak using vocal cords, implies they are not intelligent. | Dumb never really tells us anything in a sentence. For example, “My job is dumb.” Is it unfulfilling, demanding, boring? Ponder what you really mean before using dumb. |
| dummy | Same as above. | When describing an inanimate display form, try mannequin, model, or decoy. |
| handicapped | Antiquated word to describe a disabled person. | Avoid. If you’re describing an accommodation, say, for example: accessible parking. Never say handicapped person. Use disabled or whatever identity they go by (and remember, our names work, too). |
| high/low functioning | Often used to pigeonhole people and overplay/underplay their disabilities or neurodiversity. | Best to avoid altogether. This term really doesn’t add any value. |
| idiot, imbecile, moron, stupid | Synonymous with the meaning behind crazy and dumb. | Again, ponder what you really are trying to say. As for insults, be creative with your words and do so without being ableist. |
| the R-word/ R-slur | This slur and any ‘tard’ suffix are unacceptable. They are rooted in mocking people who have developmental or intellectual disabilities. | While there might be historical context for depicting a bigot who uses these slurs, it’s best to avoid them altogether. Highly recommend consulting with a sensitivity editor before publishing content with these slurs. |
| spaz/spastic | A slur that derives from spastic cerebral palsy, making fun of the movements of the condition. | Highly recommend avoiding altogether. If you’re just generally describing the awkward movements of an abled character, try uncoordinated, ungainly. |
| special needs | A euphemism for accommodation or accessibility requirements. Often also used to describe a disabled person, particularly with more than one physical or developmental disability. | Avoid, as it’s infantilizing. If you mean accommodations or accessibility requirements or support needs, then say that instead. And just don’t apply it to a human. It’s full of nope. |
| wheelchair bound | Rooted in the incorrect assumption that mobility devices hinder all users. When for many, these devices offer an increase of quality of life and independence. | Use wheelchair user instead. |
Misappropriating names of actual states of being and/or conditions
Avoid appropriating legitimate states of being and/or conditions as common expression. This often downplays the original meaning and is insulting to those who have lived experiences.
Examples:
Bipolar: (I’m so bipolar over what decision to make!)
Blind: (I must be going blind! Didn’t see you there.)
Deaf: (Are you deaf or something?)
Dissociative Identity Disorder: (What is with this change in you? You’ve got a split personality?)
Obsessive-compulsive disorder/OCD: (Sorry I straightened that photo. I’m so OCD, LOL!)
Identity-first versus people-first language
While there’s no one set-in-stone rule, more often than not, disabled and neurodiverse people prefer identity-first language, such as:
- I’m disabled.
- I’m autistic.
People-first language would be like the following:
- Person with disabilities
- Person with autism
There is a tendency for non-disabled and neurotypical people to push people-first language onto disabled and neurodiverse folks. This is not acceptable. We must always respect the language that disabled and neurodiverse people want to use.
And for pity’s sake, never shout at someone:
- “BUT YOU’RE A PERSON FIRST!”
- “YOU’RE NOT DEFINED BY YOUR DISABILITY!”
Some disabled people such as your humble SpAN editor do feel defined by our disabilities, and we say so with pride. So, just keep these things in mind. The only hard and fast rule is to never speak over someone with whom you do not share a lived experience. And even if you do, people have reasons for defining themselves the way they do.
Here is another way to present a person-first description while keeping the adjectives:
- authors who are disabled
- people who are autistic
Sensitivity Editing
While no one can ever be 100% perfect as an editor, you increase the chances of your work being more widely read and appreciated if you hire them. We at the Spoonie Authors Network are working to build upon our current list of sensitivity and diversity authors. If you have recommendations for our list, please contact us today!
Spoonie Authors Network 