autismista

Autismista is a term that has emerged within some neurodivergent communities, particularly online, to describe a person who is autistic. It is not a formal or clinical term but rather a self-identifier used by some autistic individuals to express their identity and solidarity with others on the autism spectrum. The term can be seen as a reclamation of identity, similar to how other groups have adopted terms to describe themselves.

The use of "autismista" can signify a positive self-perception of autism, viewing it as a fundamental aspect of one's identity rather than solely a disorder to be overcome. It can also imply an awareness of and connection to the broader autistic community and its shared experiences and advocacy efforts. Some individuals may use it to express pride in their autistic traits and to push back against negative stereotypes.

However, the term is not universally used or accepted within the autistic community. Some autistic individuals prefer to simply identify as "autistic" and may find "autismista" to be unnecessary or even diluting of the core identity. Others may not be familiar with the term or its connotations. Like many self-chosen identifiers, its usage and meaning can vary from person to person and evolve over time within specific communities.