The Meaning Behind the Word
When you hear the diagnosis terms Autism Spectrum Disorder or Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, how do they make you feel?
For me personally, the word “disorder” stings.
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “disorder” means a state of confusion.
In medical terms, it refers to an abnormal condition or disturbance in the normal functioning of the body or mind.
Let that sit for a moment…
Our neurodivergent brains are not broken. We’re not confused. We just experience and process the world differently from neurotypical people.
Who decided that the neurotypical brain is the one to be favoured? That ours is the “disordered” brain to have?
Why is it that, as a society, we’re expected to engage in small talk, maintain eye contact, and sit still – and if this is a struggle for you, you’re considered “disordered”?
Is it because we’ve all been conditioned, through education and the workplace, to behave and think in a certain way to be accepted and succeed?
And anyone who thinks or sees the world differently, is labelled as “disordered”.
Tick Boxes and Diagnostic Labels
I have worked in the educational system for several years, in various roles, including Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator (SENDCo) in a nursery. I haven’t always questioned these labels. I guess I was very naive about children’s personal experiences back then, and instead, I focused on the textbook information I knew.
Looking back, it annoys me that I would focus on what I learned about the children’s diagnosis, rather than focusing on the children themselves as individuals. I got caught up in the tick-box approach.
It wasn’t until my daughter got diagnosed and we went through the assessment process that I recognised how much professionals focused on neurodivergent children’s struggles—viewing them as a car with parts that don’t match the standard model, even though those parts work perfectly fine, just different. Not faulty. Just unique.
I found this challenging, particularly the repetitive negativity surrounding my daughter’s capabilities from strangers who do not know her. Not once did they ask about her strengths or recognise how valuable they are to society. Once again, they were following their tick boxes of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
From Diagnosis to Doubt
It then happened to me. I went through my own assessment, answering so many confusing questions that focused solely on what I struggle with, rather than my strengths. The way those questions were worded made me feel like there was something wrong with me. I could suddenly understand why the word ‘disorder‘ is used – because the process itself made me feel disordered. It heightened everything.
Maybe I am broken? Maybe I’m not normal? Maybe it is me?
Yet even though I’ve always known I was different, that I didn’t quite ‘fit in’, and that I face challenges, none of that means I’m flawed. Just because the assessment made me feel disordered, doesn’t mean I am.
I don’t think in the ‘typical’ way- but is that really a bad thing? Thinking differently has often been my greatest strength. In many situations, it’s helped me push through barriers I didn’t think I’d ever overcome.
Why Language Matters
I’d be lying if I said seeing the words ‘disorder’ on my diagnosis letter didn’t hit me hard, it did, and I’m an adult. I can only imagine how a young child would feel when they might not fully understand their diagnosis.
The word ‘disorder’ doesn’t just live in medical files, where we won’t hear or see it again; it is with us everywhere.
For children, it is in their education plans, school meetings, overheard conversations, and therapy sessions.
For an adult, this information is typically asked on their job application form, university records, and details from therapy sessions.
Some children or adults may take the word ‘disorder’ at face value – and believe it. They might think that there is something wrong with them, that they are confused and see the world incorrectly due to their brain, and that they need to change. I was guilty of this at first.
However, this is far from the truth!!
Something has to change.
The Neurodiversity Movement: A Better Way Forward
The neurodiversity movement, a social justice movement, reminds us that there’s more than one way to be human, and none are more or less valid than others. It challenges both medical science and society to stop viewing neurodivergence as a ‘deficit’ or ‘disorder’ and instead recognise it as a natural and valuable neurological difference (National Autistic Society, 2024).
As Dr Tony Lloyd, the CEO of the ADHD Foundation (no date), suggests, having some label that doesn’t carry shame and judgment, like ‘disorder’ does, is essential in understanding who we are and how we relate to the world around us. It’s an important part of developing our self-concept.
But what terminology should be used instead?
I strongly feel like it is time to retire the word ‘disorder’ when it comes to neurodiversity– or at least seriously question it.
Because our brains are not disordered, they’re diverse. And there’s nothing broken about it.
I’m not against diagnosis or support; these are vital. I’m questioning the specific language we use, especially when it could shape how someone perceives themselves and how others perceive them.
For some, the word ‘disorder’ can feel like a lifeline, a way to understand themselves, gain access to services, or feel validated in their struggles. And that is important too. But we have to ask, is the language we use helping, or is it harming?
Thank you for taking the time to read and reflect with me.
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments or reach out on Instagram. Whether you’ve experienced this yourself, work with neurodivergent individuals, or are reflecting on the topic for the first time, I’d love to hear your perspective.
Always remember, whatever you’re going through right now, you’ve got this!
Chloe x
References
National Autistic Society (2024) The neurodiversity movement. Available at: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/topics/identity/the-neurodiversity-movement (Accessed: 12 June 2025).
ADHD Foundation (no date) The neurodiversity charity. Available at: https://www.adhdfoundation.org.uk/ (Accessed: 12 June 2025).
One response to “ADHD, ASD: Is The Terminology ‘Disorder’ Appropriate?”
Another brilliant blog Chloe.
I do know that on some diagnosis forms now they use the term ASC autism spectrum condition or the term Autism. But is condition any better than disorder?
My son always says his mind is a different operating system, he is Linux while others are windows. They both work, but in different ways and this is ok. I love this and it is a good way of explaining it. Its also good for them to learn and understand themselves and be happy with who they are a diagnosis helps with that.
When i worked with SEN children in nursery, I always looked for the achievements no matter how big or small and focused on those when speaking to the parents.