Misusing autism as an insult: A harmful internet trend

On the internet, we increasingly encounter the idea that someone is "acoustic" or "autistic." This adjective is often used jokingly as a synonym for stupidity. One netizen appeals: "stop using autism as some kind of synonym for being stupid." Why is this popular trend harmful?

Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects how a person communicates, perceives the world, and interacts socially. Autism symptoms can be very diverse, which is why it's referred to as the autism spectrum. This means that people with autism can have different needs and abilities.

Typical features of autism include difficulties in verbal and non-verbal communication, which can involve problems with speaking, understanding speech, and using facial expressions and gestures. People with autism often have trouble forming and maintaining social relationships, understanding social norms, and interpreting the emotions of others.

For a long time, there has been a toxic trend on social media where netizens overuse the claim that someone is autistic. This often manifests in memes or mocking reels on Instagram and TikTok. Recently, a harmful replacement term has emerged: the claim that someone is "acoustic." This word is used when netizens exhibit not-so-smart behaviour.

Due to this trend, the community of people on the spectrum may feel wronged. Unfortunately, being different has always been pointed out, so normalizing and joining in only worsens the matter. Autistics are very empathetic people and should not be associated with stupidity.

A certain netizen decided to voice her opinion on the aforementioned trend. She posted on platform X, appealing to the jokers: "stop using autism as some kind of synonym for being stupid." Unfortunately, many people do not understand the gravity of the situation.

The post received many comments downplaying the netizen's request. Users on platform X write: "I think there's a difference between saying one is autistic and acoustic. However, saying one is acoustic is a meme and implies being stupid or behaving stupidly, not mocking autistics", "For years, being autistic on the internet has been equivalent to idiocy. It's one of those things you won't change", "Oh, come on, it's just a meme."