young autistics (people with autism? *is uncertain of what descriptor comes first in that case*

Some professionals and parents are very strict about only using "person first" language and saying "people with autism".

Then some people on the spectrum actually prefer "autistic people" (on the grounds that the autism is not detachable, it's part of who we are).

So it's one of those complicated politicized self-identification issues.

I seem to alternate depending on who I'm talking to and whether they know I'm on the spectrum or not (because sometimes it's easier than explaining), or use them interchangeably *g*.