Here’s why I stopped calling myself an Autism Specialist

Raise your hand if you have referred to yourself as an Autism Specialist?

🙋‍♀️

I honestly did not see anything wrong with this until an Autistic colleague told me it felt icky when non-Autistic people call themselves autism experts or specialists.

So I started listening to other members of the Autistic community. What did they think about Autism Specialists??

And the overwhelming consensus was this: "You’re claiming to be a specialist in a community you’re not a part of."

That really struck me. 

And before you say “A doctor doesn’t have to have cancer to be an oncologist”...hear me out.

Many Autistic people wouldn’t call themselves “autism experts” either.

How could one person possibly know everything there is about all the facets of autism?

So before you call yourself an “Autism expert,” consider what your specific specialty area might be... and say that instead.

✅ Specialist in AAC for Autistic children

✅ Specialist in language development in autism

✅ Specialist in potty training for Autistic toddlers

❌ Autism Specialist

Stating your specific niche says SO much more about what you know and what kind of support you provide.

It will help families who need you to find you. 🖤

If you are an SLP and want to learn how you can make sensory your specialty area, check the Inside Out Sensory Certificate Course for SLPs. You can learn more by clicking here.