Is the Word "Autistic" Now Being Used as a Slur?

[JamesG]

Recently I rode on the public NYC bus a few times as high school students were on the way home.

More than once I heard them say "That's so autistic" or "Stop being autistic". When I was growing up we used the words "gay" or "********" (not saying it was right, but that's what we did), and now I've noticed "autistic" being used instead.

I was just wondering on how common this is and if anyone else noticed this?

[Bonniegirl]

Originally Posted by JamesG

Recently I rode on the public NYC bus a few times as high school students were on the way home.

More than once I heard them say "That's so autistic" or "Stop being autistic". When I was growing up we used the words "gay" or "********" (not saying it was right, but that's what we did), and now I've noticed "autistic" being used instead.

I was just wondering on how common this is and if anyone else noticed this?

I haven't heard that but I have heard young people say " You are so bipolar " That is so bipolor" to someone who is having a mood change or is just being indecisive but clearly doesn't have this illness!

[MrCleveland]

I do find that a touch offensive..."that's so autistic"? I haven't heard that yet...

But I do find these words more offensive...

Dumb
Dense
Stupid
******
Moron
Idiot...this one I find as the worst since this is VERY Untrue!

I have autism, but I have overcame many obstacles. Better off saying "That is so ****" (this is an Italian slur that starts with the letter D), and many Italian-Americans will probably be like this...



I consider myself 100% American, but...why can't we just say "that isn't for me"? You can call it "dumb" or "meh", but when I'm called "stupid", "dumbass", or even "idiot"...I wanna pounce on that person for saying that to me because it's completely false...maybe I'll tell them to challenge me in trivia, I can kick major ass in that!

[Race's Girl]

Originally Posted by MrCleveland

I do find that a touch offensive..."that's so autistic"? I haven't heard that yet...

But I do find these words more offensive...

Dumb
Dense
Stupid
******
Moron
Idiot...this one I find as the worst since this is VERY Untrue!

I have autism but I have overcame many obstacles

I'm autistic too and I agree with you on a lot of those things, bro

[MA]

Originally Posted by Race's Girl

I'm autistic too and I agree with you on a lot of those things, bro

I did not know that about you.

[PhoenixAcres]

If something is stupid then just say it's stupid. It's disrespectful to bring in medical conditions IMO.

[MrCleveland]

Originally Posted by Race's Girl

I'm autistic too and I agree with you on a lot of those things, bro

That's why if someone uses "stupid" or "idiot" and it's aimed toward me...I wanna pounce on the ******* who called me that. I haven't, but those words can shoot a person more than a bullet!