A seizure that lasts longer than five minutes is a medical emergency. Background: Psychosis is a broad term used to describe symptoms of certain mental health problems that include delusions or hallucinations or other loss of contact with reality. Originally called falling sickness in English, the word has roots in Greek and Latin. AP style: Disabled is described as a general term for a physical, mental, developmental or intellectual disability. Be sensitive when using words like disorder, impairment, abnormality and special to describe the nature of a disability. If a medical diagnosis is not available, use quotes around the term and indicate that a diagnosis has not been confirmed. Background: Dyslexia is a learning disability characterized by challenges identifying speech sounds and learning how to connect them to letters and words, according to the Mayo Clinic. The term seizure is preferred when referring to the brief manifestation of symptoms common among those with epilepsy. Background: The two terms often are used interchangeably. Background: Quadriplegia is defined as the paralysis of all four limbs as well as the torso. Psychotherapist: An umbrella term for mental health professionals trained to treat people for their health problems. Also, according to NOAH, the term albino has been used throughout history in a hateful way; therefore many prefer the people-first term, person with albinism.. Healthyplace.com has a good discussion of the differences. AP style: The AP merely defines Tourette Syndrome as, A neurological disorder characterized by involuntary, repetitive movements and vocalizations.. This may be due to improper development, damage or disease to any part of the hearing mechanism. When possible, ask sources how they would like to be described. A minimally conscious state is one in which a patient has some awareness of self and/or the environment. Background: The term interabled is used by some in the disability community to refer to couples in which one person has a disability and the other does not. It is best to ask people which term they prefer to describe them. The term vegetative state is preferable to vegetable or veg, but it is considered offensive by some and is frequently misused. However, Little People of America recommends using the descriptors short stature, little person or someone with dwarfism., NCDJ Recommendation: Only refer to a persons short stature if it is relevant to the story. The Genome Research Institute offers comprehensive information about different genetic conditions, genetic testing and other pertinent topics. Some people with ADHD prefer to say they have the condition; others prefer to say they are ADHD. Use quotes when officials or family members use a term such as a history of mental illness to refer to an individual, and when appropriate, indicate that the diagnosis has not been confirmed. More serious causes of dysarthria, or sudden slurred speech, include Do not use OCD as an adjective for someone who obsesses over certain things but has not been formally diagnosed with the disorder. Not every person with a disability suffers, is a victim or is stricken. This style guide, which covers dozens of words and terms commonly used when referring to disability, can help. See Autism In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association folded Aspergers syndrome into one umbrella diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Background: Abnormality is a word used to describe a condition that deviates from what is considered normal. Down syndrome is the most common chromosomal condition. Other terms commonly used to refer to people with Down syndrome include intellectually disabled, developmentally disabled and a person who has a cognitive disability or intellectual disability. The Global Down Syndrome Foundation considers all of these terms acceptable, while the National Down Syndrome Society suggests using cognitive disability or intellectual disability. Down syndrome also can be referred to as Trisomy 21. In addition, there is a difference between impairment and disability, according to the Institute of Human Services. NCDJ Recommendation: Ask the person with the disability how they would like to be described. 3. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using deformed as an adjective to describe a person. The terms are considered derogatory because they equate symptoms of illness to filth. Migraine. The BBC and The Conversation both have well-considered takes on it. Terminology for the disorder is varied. The case for nonspeaking is outlined by the non-profit organization The Guild for Human Services. Deaf-mute was traditionally used to refer to people who can neither speak nor hear in traditional ways. Thats OK. You may end up using a derogatory term in a direct quote, but be certain that its fundamental to the story. Background: Non-disabled refers to someone who does not have a disability. Use treatment center in place of rehab or detox center. The term has largely gone out of use and is now considered objectionable and inaccurate. WebFeeling Tired or Stressed. When referring to a drug test, state that the person tested positive for (drug)., NCDJ Recommendation: Addiction is an acceptable term, although some prefer substance abuse disorder. It is preferable to refer to someone who harmfully uses drugs as someone with a drug addiction rather than an addict. Use recovering or in recovery from to refer to someone trying to overcome an addiction; that is, someone recovering from a methamphetamine addiction.. NCDJ Recommendation: Do not use these words, particularly when reporting on mental illness, unless they are part of a quote that is essential to the story. With identity-first language, the disability is mentioned first. It is characterized by unusually intense shifts in emotion, energy, behavior and activity levels in what are called mood episodes. Such episodes are usually classified as manic, hypomanic, depressive or mixed episodes. Hearing loss can be due to a wide array of things, including: malformation of the ear. Background: Cerebral palsy refers to a number of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. The term dyslexic is used by some organizations as a noun and as an adjective in a non-pejorative way; however, using the word as a noun (describing a person as a dyslexic) appears to be falling out of use. Ask your sources how they want to be described. Spastic cerebral palsy is a common type of cerebral palsy in which the movements of people with the disorder appear stiff and jerky. It is acceptable to refer to someone as having spastic cerebral palsy, but it is derogatory to refer to someone as spastic or a spaz. When describing specific symptoms, it is always best to ask the person what terms they prefer. Some people with autism prefer being referred to as autistic or an autistic person. Others object to using autistic as an adjective. The phrase abnormal behavior reflects social-cultural standards and is open to different interpretations. NCDJ Recommendation: The proper term for the disorder is Down syndrome, not Downs syndrome or Downs Syndrome. AA members do not pay dues or fees; rather, it is supported through contributions. Epilepsy manifests differently in individuals: The severity of epileptic seizures, their occurrence rates and the emergence of other health problems differ from person to person. WebHearing-impaired This term is no longer accepted by most in the community but was at one time preferred, largely because it was viewed as politically correct. Many illnesses, such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis, are life-long conditions. A nonspeaking individual may understand and use language just in a different way, such as through American Sign Language. Background: Psychological triggers are words, images or sounds that activate phobias, panic attacks or flashbacks to unpleasant events or trauma. AP style: The stylebook recommends using partial hearing loss or partially deaf for those who have some hearing loss. While those with Tourette syndrome often can suppress tics by focusing on them, the disorder also can be treated with medication, relaxation techniques and therapy. Keep in mind that it may not be relevant to include in a story how an individual communicates as long as the communication is clear. Severe implies judgement; significant might be better. Another commonly used term is twice exceptional or 2E, which refers to a child with a disability who also is diagnosed as gifted. Slurred speech after a stroke is the most common But what is relevant is not always clear. Laws against suicide have been repealed in the U.S. and many other places. This condition happens when a childs brain cant coordinate the muscles that enable speech. The word dates to Old English, where it was related to words that meant to creep or bend over. According to the blog grammarphobia.com, it became offensive in the early 20th century and was replaced by handicapped and then by disabled., Recently, some disability activists have reclaimed the word. For us, this really emphasizes the fact that no two people are the same either with regard to disabilities or language preferences. Disorder is ubiquitous when it comes to medical references; and the same is true for special when used in special education, so there may be times when its appropriate to use them. Background: Tourette syndrome is a neurological disorder characterized by tics, sudden, purposeless and rapid movements or vocalizations, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders. Inability to speak louder than a whisper or speaking too loudly. Webwhy is hearing impaired a slur. For example, if I say that I am hearing-impaired, people may get the impression that Im incapable of something. Alcoholism is characterized by a loss of control in alcohol use, according to the American Psychiatric Association. Some argue that the term commit implies that suicide is a criminal act, while others view the term commit as neutral. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid referring to someone with a disability as sick or to their disability as a sickness. If a person is receiving medical treatment, then the word patient is appropriate; however, it should be avoided outside of a medical context. Similarly, ask whether the person prefers identity-first or people-first language. The medical profession favors use of the terms mental disorder or psychopathology. In U.S. criminal law, insanity is a legal question, not a medical one. If thats not possible, ask a spokesperson for the organization representing the relevant disability for preferred terminology. NCDJ Recommendation: Avoid using hearing impaired or hearing impairment. For those with total hearing loss or who identity as a member of the Deaf community, deaf is acceptable. The disorder was originally named for French neurologist Dr. Georges Gilles de la Tourette, who first described the condition in 1885, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. It often is caused by a spinal cord or brain injury and is characterized by the loss of sensory and motor function. Background: These terms carry the assumption that a person with a disability is suffering or has a reduced quality of life. To declare Some content can spark difficult memories for people with certain mental illnesses and phobias.Trigger warnings communicate that upcoming content may produce unpredictable and unwelcome reactions for some readers. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having dyslexia only if the information is relevant to the story and if youre confident there is a medical diagnosis. Background: These phrases refer to a condition in which the mouth, jaw, tongue and vocal tract do not work together to produce recognizable words. Many people object to the use of the word to describe a physical condition because it is used in colloquial English as a synonym for weak, as in: Thats a lame excuse., The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines lamebrain as a dull-witted person.. NCDJ Recommendation:Avoid using invalid to describe a person with a disability except in a direct quote. Should someone who is blind be identified as such in a story about people who have been stranded while hiking and had to be rescued? For others who have a loss of vision, the American Foundation for the Blind uses the term low vision, which it describes as uncorrectable vision loss that interferes with daily activities. The foundation says that other terms commonly used to describe vision loss partial sight, partial blindness and poor vision are no longer in general use. Referring to someone who does not have a disability as a normal person implies that people with disabilities are deviant or strange. They may include: Slurred speech. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as having dementia only if the information is relevant to the story and you are confident there is a medical diagnosis. AP style: Not addressed except to recommend using hard of hearing without hyphens unless it is an adjective directly preceding a person. This is caused by the muscles that are used to create speech not functioning properly or to their best ability. The Center states that addiction differs from dependence. Instead, refer to the persons specific condition or use person with a disability. The terms are still widely used and generally acceptable when citing laws, regulations, places or things, such as handicapped parking, although many prefer the term accessible parking. Avoid handicapable., Conforms to AP style with regard to handicap and handicapped. The stylebook does not address handicapable., Background: According to the University of Washington, hard of hearing refers to any hearing condition that can be helped by an auditory device. I am Hard of Hearing (HoH), NCDJ Recommendation: These phrases are coming into wider use and often are preferable to the alternatives. For example, millions of Americans are hard of hearing but most do not use sign language and many do not use hearing aids. Psychiatrist: A mental health professional able to prescribe psychotropic medications. Adults are also diagnosed with ADHD. Instead, deafness is often considered a culture. Although many in the general public associate disability with people using wheelchairs or white canes or who are missing limbs, more people have conditions that cant be seen but are defined as disabilities under the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. For example: Eds: Graphic details of the killings could be offensive or disturbing to some readers.. Background: According to the National Association for Gifted Children, giftedness is characterized by the capacity to perform above the level of ones peers. Special thanks to Rebecca Monteleone, University of Toledo; Jon Henner, University of North Carolina at Greensboro; Sherri Collins, Arizona Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; journalist Sara Luterman; Cronkite student Haley Tenore; the NCDJ advisory board and graduate assistants; and all the style guide readers who offered suggestions for this guide. For example, addressing the functional needs of people with disabilities could be used when referring to a facility or program. NCDJ Recommendation: Use Tourette syndrome with no possessive or capitalization of syndrome. Refer to someone as having Tourette syndrome only if the information is relevant to the story and if youre confident there has been a medical diagnosis. The appropriateness of the terms is disputed by those within and outside of the organization. Whenever possible, specify the specific illness a person has rather than mental illness in general. Some organizations suggest avoiding the terms demented, dementing, dements, senile or senility to refer to someone with dementia. When possible, ask if a person or group uses identity-first language (deaf students) or person-first language (students who are deaf). Some mountainous regions, such as parts of the Alps, do not naturally provide their inhabitants with a diet rich enough in iodine, and the resultant hypothyroidism causes stunted growth and mental retardation. If they meet this definition, animals are considered service animals under the ADA, regardless of whether they have been licensed or certified. Less than one percent of the general population has schizophrenia, and it is treated mostly through the use of pharmaceutical drugs. NCDJ Recommendation: Refer to someone as catatonic only if it is part of a medical diagnosis. Center in place of rehab or detox center the impression that Im incapable of something such diabetes! 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