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AUTISM GLOSSARY

Allistic

DEFINITION

Allistic is a term used to describe people who are not autistic — a more specific term than neurotypical, which includes people who are neurodivergent in other ways. 'Allistic' came from autistic community writing as a parallel to 'autistic.'

WHY IT MATTERS

Having precise language allows clearer communication. Allistic specifically describes the autistic/non-autistic distinction, while neurotypical describes the broader neurodivergent/neurotypical distinction.

COMMON MISCONCEPTION

Allistic is not a slur or insult. It is a neutral descriptor created by autistic people to name the other end of a spectrum they were already named on.

RELATED TERMS

NeurotypicalNeurodivergentNeurodiversity
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