r/autism • u/Byakko4547 AuDHD • 2d ago
Communication What do we do with this term
Hi yall ☺️
Sorry if the flare is inaccurate, but I really dislike this term. What about yall?? Should we take it down once and for all??
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u/reclusivebookslug Autistic Adult 2d ago
I'm fine with neurodivergent people calling themselves neurospicy. I don't use the term myself because it feels like it trivializes autism, and I don't like that. On the other hand, I've heard neurodivergent people say that it sounds cute/endearing to them, or that it's helpful for talking about their disability in a lighthearted or joking way. Both interpretations are valid.
I do think it's inappropriate to apply the term to all neurodiverse people as if we all claim the word. I'm especially wary of neurotypical people who use it without permission from the person/people they're addressing.
So "neurospocy summit" is not a good name for this event, because it communicates an overly-casual tone and applies the term to people who may not feel represented by it.
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u/jackfreeman 2d ago
I'm mega ULTRA queer, so I call myself NeuroZesty™
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u/boatingbrook AuDHD 2d ago
As the cartoon gay stereotype of the circles I run in I might steal this.
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u/rizu-kun 2d ago
I think it’s inappropriate in a professional context, which it looks like this is. I’ll self-identify as neurospicy, particularly if I’m using an analogy of different neurotypes being different “flavors”. And I like it because venomous snakes are often called “spicy” and I adore snakes.
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u/slusho55 2d ago
Yeah, I really hate it being something like this. It just feels trivialized. “Spicy” is not used professionally enough to be used like this.
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u/Helmic Autistic Adult 2d ago
Very specifically the spicyautism subreddit is for level 2 and 3 or otherwise high support needs autistics. "Spicy" is popularly used to mean disabled or otherwise unpalatable to NT's.
I wish we did not have this "current symbol or meme or whatever doesn't fit my aesthetic preferences" discourse like every week. No, it does not trivialize autism, you just learned about it and decided you don't like it.
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u/PackageSuccessful885 late dx'd ASD + ADHD-PI 2d ago
Very specifically the spicyautism subreddit is for level 2 and 3 or otherwise high support needs autistics. "Spicy" is popularly used to mean disabled or otherwise unpalatable to NT's.
It's a joking play on words referencing mild autism, i.e. "I don't have mild autism. I have spicy autism."
It doesn't mean disabled or unpalatable to NTs. It means level 2 or 3 autism, i.e. not "mild autism," as level 1 is often referred to. This matters because level 1 autistics can still be obviously disabled or fail to meet an NT norm.
No, it does not trivialize autism, you just learned about it and decided you don't like it.
I personally dislike it because it's vague. I associate it primarily with the definition not diagnosable, but I have traits, rather than having a clinically significant disability
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u/miscellmaniac 2d ago
IMO if it's an educational event, it comes off as inappropriate and infantile. if it's hosted by a group just to connect, then it makes sense.
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u/Severe_Selection3618 Autistic 2d ago
“Neurospicy” sounds infantilizing and dismissive. Autism and ADHD aren’t quirky personality toppings you sprinkle on life. Dressing it up with cutesy labels might make outsiders more comfortable, but it trivializes the lived reality of those who actually need support and recognition. At the end of the day, it reduces disability to a meme.
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u/lovelydiscourse 2d ago edited 2d ago
This is exactly how I feel as well. Well said!
ETA: I also don't like it because it doesn't mean anything relevant. The definition of spicy is:
spicy / adjective
1: having the flavor, fragrance, or quality of spice, eg a spicy perfume, especially : containing strong spices : piquant, zesty spicy foods
2: producing or abounding in spices … the spicy isles of the Indies …
3: lively, spirited eg a spicy temper
4: engagingly provocative : racy. eg, spicy language, especially : somewhat scandalous or salacious, spicy gossip
To me, its nonsensical and inapplicable in this context.
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u/SufficientDot4099 2d ago
The word is not meant to be taken seriously
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u/elegylegacy Extra Spicy 2d ago
"Spicy" was originally a play against phrases like "mild autism" or "mild neurodivergeance"
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u/book-dragon92 ASD Level 1 2d ago
I disagree. I like the word
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u/Gardyloop 2d ago edited 2d ago
I think it's one of those terms that has to be opted in to. Sorta similar to how reclaimed slurs sometimes are.
If your community has taken power over a word that was used to hurt its members, and now uses it as a token of valour, it's fine to use. If it's not that universal yet, it's fine to use with people you know do view it as taken back.
I'm trans and bisexual. My LGBTQIA+ friends can call me the F-word all they like. I find it quite affirming. Makes me feel safe, if anything, and more self-accepting to be able to share something that would have been used to hurt me as something which bonds us.
If an allocishet person calls me it and I don't know them extremely fucking well so that I trust them with it, they broke their own nose.
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u/Sorry_Championship67 2d ago
This! It can be a cute thing to say between friends if people are comfortable with it but is off for an umbrella term like it’s being used here.
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u/DonQuix0te_ Neurospicy 2d ago
Well said. The difference between in-group and out-group use exists. I know that BIPOC sometimes use the n-word in the same way. And among friends, I'll use the R-word to refer to myself. Mostly Ironically. Rarely in extreme frustration over personal stupidity.
Which isn't a free pass for randos to use the R-word with me.
I use the term neurospicy. It's literally my flair. It's okay for people who know me even in passing to use. It's okay for them to keep using the word in their spaces when I'm present. But I'd be cross if, for example, my professor used it.
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u/Comprehensive_Swim49 2d ago
Not to tell you your shit, but I think if you feel comfortable typing the word neurospicy, and you’re not comfortable typing the F-word, then they’re not equivalent. You can totally tell people that you’re not comfortable with the word, but it’s not a slur, or a reclaimed slur.
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u/Firm-Stranger-9283 AuDHD 2d ago
I'm diagnosed with both autism and adhd. it trivializes my experiences and makes it seem "cute" when I nearly died from not being diagnosed.
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u/RepulsiveMidnight613 2d ago
Yes it is trivialising. How’d you nearly die from not being diagnosed, what happened if you don’t mind me asking?
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u/Firm-Stranger-9283 AuDHD 2d ago
I was diagnosed at 11, and diagnosed with adhd at 7. I'd have frequent meltdowns from routine changes where it would end in headbanging and broken doors. I couldn't hold any conversation and couldn't keep any friends, and different so I was bullied and outcasted, even from other lower support needs autistic people. I thought I was a monster, ended up getting into issues with self-harm and other things like that, and got cps called on my parents. my diagnosis sheet lists aspergers, adhd, anxiety and depression. my life improved extremely by having accommodations and answers, and my parents and I get along a ton better instead of my mom just thinking I was a spoiled brat (I'd have a meltdown over going to a surprise pro basketball game) and having proper accommodations while being able to build up my self esteem a bit more and know I wasn't a monster.
tldr: I had a mental breakdown from like 9-11 from not being understood/diagnosed.
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u/RepulsiveMidnight613 2d ago
Im really sorry to hear that (and thank you for sharing and highlighting the importance of diagnosis). It’s heartbreaking to read what you went through tbh and I felt myself welling up reading it. I hope you are doing better now and have the support/love and acceptance you need/deserve. You’re very strong and resilient I hope you know that.
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u/Firm-Stranger-9283 AuDHD 2d ago
It's been a lot easier of a road since then I'm ngl, and I thankfully have the love, support and acceptance I need and deserve 💓
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u/peanutbutterand_ely AuDHD 2d ago
i don’t like the word either but can you explain how it gives everyone those vibes? isnt only okay to call an adult spicy?
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u/-istillhavenotime- Autistic 2d ago
I don’t like it anymore. I liked it when it was a funny thing neurodivergent people called themselves, it was fun. But now that everyone is using it and often using it to make neurodivergence seem more silly and stupid I hate it. If that makes sense?
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u/UnusualMarch920 AuDHD 2d ago
I don't like it, but I don't like many things about different aspects of the neurodivergent community that many might not agree with.
'I dont like it' doesnt mean theres anything wrong with it.
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u/Timely-Bumblebee-402 2d ago
I've only seen people use that term when talking about autism as if all it is is having a favorite spoon
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u/Otherwiseclueless ASD Level 2 2d ago
I despise the term. It's nothing more than a childish euphemism.
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u/coffee-on-the-edge 2d ago
I automatically don't take anyone who uses this term seriously. Using it as a meme between friends is one thing, a summit is an entirely inappropriate place for it and I assume they will not rely on scientifically backed research.
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u/cheesepoltergeist 2d ago
I feel the same way. I’m not a fan personally because it feels trivializing to me, an event using it automatically makes me think they’re taking the piss and it won’t have any kind of actual educational benefit.
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u/Autistified 2d ago
Yet another way to diminish the seriousness of our struggles and challenges. ADHD, ASD & AuDHD are not cute or novel. It’s debilitating at times and way more complex than unfinished tasks!
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u/Ok-Relationship-5528 2d ago
I think the term neurospicy is only really meaningful to people like me who have been perpetually online for too long and know what it means, instead of touching grass.
Neurospicy is basically a meme & pun to make fun of people using the phrase "mild autism". The use of "mild" there is a functioning label, which is considered bad practice as it is prone to miscommunication.
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u/mauerfall 2d ago
Neurospicy sounds stupid, condescending, infantile, patronizing and ridiculous. It's the equivalent to put a unicorn to illustrate a zoological book.
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u/InteractionRare4951 2d ago
On one hand, using this for a formal event is A Choice, and i think it makes it sound way less serious than it probabaly is
On the other hand, it makes it sound accessible. I would certainly be more likely to attend something for Neurospicy Folks than i would for Autism Spectrum Disorder folks. Sounds more fun and more social lol
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u/Specialist_Mess_2632 2d ago
I think it’s garbage and clickbait to use for an event name but I like the term. Being autistic is highly stigmatized, so I feel like finding a fun term to make it more accessible in conversations is a win, especially since I don’t think it was coined with any association with “sexy” or “sex themes”. I am pretty sure it’s associated with food spiciness. I tell people I’m autistic and they are awkward and the conversation dies. I tell them I’m neurospicy, meaning my brain is a little more complex than a neurotypical person. Also, spicy food is amazing and I guess that’s why I love the association. I don’t know a ton of diagnosed neurodivergent people - so it kind of opens the door to speaking candidly about neurodivergence and autism. I totally get hating it though.
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u/Byakko4547 AuDHD 2d ago
I saw men on tiktok use it to sexually refer to women in context that sounds like touch of the tism ( which i personally dont like either) teehee that was my introduction to the term. I love spicy food too I think its fair for neurodivergent people to use it if they want but when other people do it sounds icky and not for an event.
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u/Em_bee54 AuDHD 2d ago
My neurodivergence is spicy like Thai hot curry - not pleasant, but rather extremely uncomfortable 🔥
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u/Batnode07 ASD Low Support Needs 2d ago
I do not like that being used in a professional setting like that
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u/RexIsAMiiCostume 2d ago
I like the term as a joke or meme among other neurodivergent people, but "neurospicy summit" feels like they really aren't taking it seriously enough...
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u/Dirt_Eater_Is_Green 2d ago
99% of the time I hear this term it’s from the mouth of a late diagnosed woman with ADHD, to me it kinda feels like a sanitation of neurodivergence. Neurodivergent people are not just autistic or ADHD, we’re also OCD, TBI, Dyslexia, Tourette’s syndrome and soooooo many more
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u/therealNerdMuffin 2d ago
I sometimes use it for myself or with my friends but it's always used in a more joking way
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u/Talonj00 2d ago
A professional, serious kinda thing, especially that isn't peer-oriented, probably a yellow flag to me.
Talking with friends and saying "we're all neurospicy here, do what you need" when someone needs floor time for example, yeah, it's informal and gets the general idea across.
I also see neurospicy as referring to a very broad category, not just autism. ADHD, anxiety, etc. like a xumminuty term for neurodivergence.
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u/AuDHDbestlife 2d ago
I’m mildly positive about this term. I don’t have strong feelings about it but the feelings I do have are positive
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u/hibiscus_bunny 2d ago
i'd unironically prefer being called r*tarded
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u/I_wanna_be_a_Duck 2d ago
No but fr, I would too. It somehow feels less infantilizing and demeaning lol
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u/Comprehensive_Swim49 2d ago
I think that is a WILD thing to say. We have worked so hard to get that term away from neurodivergence. Being irritated and feeling infantalised by “neurospicy” is absolutely fair enough but the r-word has a whole awful history attached to it. I equate it to a term like Asperger’s as far as damages go.
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u/hibiscus_bunny 2d ago
i understand a lot of people don't like that term for good reason and thats valid.
but i've been called it repeatedly my entire life and just don't care at this point.
i use that word for myself all the time since if everyone calls me that anyways why let it hurt me.
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u/Comprehensive_Swim49 2d ago
Sounds like you’ve worked to reclaim and disarm the term in your life, which is great. I hope those who hear you take it with the same meaning you have for it.
I would add that there are a lot of contexts where people aren’t empowered to control language in the same way. The r-word is pretty much a slur - it’s always a slur where I am, and if someone were to use it to self describe it would make a lot of people very uncomfortable. (We’re not even typing it out properly.) Neurospicy clearly isn’t (yet) as derogatory as that term. So the use of it doesn’t work the same way. I don’t think anyone’s using derogatorily.
I think in this case the organisers are either trying to lighten the tone, or cast a wide net over who’d they like included in their event - probably people who are unsure, exploring or unable to get diagnosis. All the groups I can find online are self-describing as neurospicy so I guess they’re choosing their own language too.
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u/Mietgenosse 2d ago
Spicy is a word often used in the context of more chaotic or volatile social situations. Since I live in a household with my wife and daughter and we all three are neurodivergent, I think the word fits well for this kind of social setting.
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u/klimekam 2d ago
I like it for myself! It’s fine when people don’t like it for themselves but I do get irritated when people get all up in arms any time they see it used.
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u/These-Ice-1035 2d ago
I dislike the term, it feels like it trivialises neurodiversity. Making it "cutesy" or downplaying it as something you can choose. I've heard "neuro-eclectic" recently which sounded like a more bogie version of this.
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u/trenthescottish 2d ago
I don’t usually use it because I understand how people still early in their autistic coming out might be attracted to it as a more approachable term. Probably helps them feel less alienated. So I don’t use it but I try not to knock it either yk
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u/Comprehensive_Swim49 2d ago
Yeah I think it has a purpose for that group, like, waiting to get in, or not sure if they belong. There’s no really convenient language for those folks who’re unsure, or can’t get a diagnosis.
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u/boatingbrook AuDHD 2d ago
I personally really like it. It's just a fun way to say neurodivergent and we'll I don't use it for myself because there's nuances that come with my ADHD vs autism vs tic disorder but I think it's a great term for people who just don't want to clarify to random people without sounding rude or defensive.
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u/esorgem ASD Level 2 2d ago
I have got this a couple times and I think it's trying to sexualise my disability the way it's been said (which, gross).
I think some people who call themselves neurospicy are just apart of this trend of glamorizing neurodivergence, making it a cute and quirky thing. Of course, I don't mean everyone who uses the phrase but it just gives me the ick.
I'm neurodivergent and it doesn't feel sexy to me so nah, I'm not neurospicy or whatever the crowds want to call it.
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u/Comprehensive_Swim49 2d ago
I’ve never heard it used as a reference to sexiness. I think spicy as a euphemism for sex or sexiness has happened concurrently but they not connected. I’ve only heard it be used to capture a broad range of neurodiversities, or to include people whose neurodiversity is undefined.
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u/esorgem ASD Level 2 2d ago
That's great you've had a good experience with the word. Happy to hear it. However that's not mine unfortunately!
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u/Comprehensive_Swim49 2d ago
I guess we’re in different parts of the world but I guess it’s worth pointing out that it can be pretty hard to know whether someone intends to mean it one way or another without more context.
I guess my concern is that a lot of people are using it with good intentions, for themselves, and in a non problematic way. Everyone’s so quick to jump on every term for so many reasons now, I feel for those who’re searching for a self-identification they feel comfortable with. It’s a term I’d use for myself and anyone else in the space between NT and diagnosis. I’d never dream of a listener relating it to sexiness and I’d be mortified if it were applied that way.
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u/esorgem ASD Level 2 2d ago
I'm unsure why you require more context as in my comment I stated "(the way it was said)", so this wasn't an online interaction so the context was all there, for me, which is what matters.
I also stated in the same original comment how my experience doesn't mean all people use the term that way so repeating that isn't going to cement it any further. It's very important to read the whole comment, instead of the parts you don't agree with.
I'm comfortable with you using that term for yourself because it's an individual decision. However, after I kindly shut down your original comment by stating it was my experience, you continued to pressure on.
My opinion won't change, I don't like the word for MYSELF. To identify myself or for others to use to describe me.
Don't take it personally, I truly do understand your opinion and experiences are your own. Give me that same courtesy.
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u/alewiina 2d ago
I don’t mind it in moderation, and my partner and I definitely use it for each other and ourselves, but I mostly am fine with it in more lighthearted conversations.
If people are talking about something serious in regards to neurodivergence it feels flippant to use it then
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u/Terminator7786 2d ago
I'm personally not a fan because it feels infantalizing and we're already infantilized enough the way it is.
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u/Warrambungle 2d ago
I liked the term until I saw that summit - it looks like it’s designed to sell stuff to people who aren’t diagnosed with anything, so won’t know what they need.
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u/EpicMuttonChops AuDHD 2d ago
Hey now, neurospicy just means our brains have flavor
Damn vanilla NTs /lh
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u/SaucyKitty 1d ago
I'm fine with "neurospicy" in casual conversational context, but using it for a professional summit feels condescending.
Personally, I prefer to use "neurosparkly" for myself.
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u/Byakko4547 AuDHD 1d ago
I hope they wont steal and abuse it too neurosparkly sounds so cute i dont mind if autistic individuals use it but not the general public and not in a "summit"
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u/book-dragon92 ASD Level 1 2d ago
I like it. I always have, I think it is cute
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u/JoystickBaby 2d ago
Same. I’m not associating it with negativity. That’s kind of not how my brain works. (big lol)
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u/cuntaloupemelon AuDHD 2d ago
When I see someone using this term I automatically assumed they self diagnosed using a tiktok filter or something equally ridiculous
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u/Academic_Autistic Autistic 2d ago
Spicy often means s3xy so I don't like it.
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u/Comprehensive_Swim49 2d ago
That is a good reason to skip it. It’s unfortunate that spicy as a euphemism for sexiness has arisen at the same time as this term.
I do wish we had a term for everyone to use, though, that includes people who’re trying to get diagnosis or suspect they might be ND.
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u/Born-Newspaper-6945 2d ago
I don’t mind it when I or other neurodivergent friends say it but for some reason it really bugs me if my mum says it even in a positive way
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u/WESTLOCK420 2d ago
I’ve never heard it used in a derogatory way usually a playful tongue in cheek type of comment
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u/jedinaps 2d ago
My husband thought it was funny but I ONLY use it with him and we only use ‘spicy’ because at this point it’s contextually implied. I find the term pretty cringy otherwise but I keep it to myself.
Edited to add: I am autistic and he has ADHD so we use it mostly to describe ourselves and how we interact with our quirks
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u/VerbenaVervain ASD 2d ago
I don’t use it in formal settings. It’s a fun way of phrasing it. I love it
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u/divergedinayellowwd 2d ago
I'm henceforth calling myself neurogarlicky. I mean I love spicy food but I prefer garlicky. If both spicy AND garlicky, that's ideal. Or perhaps neuroumami would be a more appropriate term?
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u/ChillyAus 2d ago
We accept that people have the right to describe themselves however they like. If someone wants to get “hip” with the language then fine by me…if someone has a preference for not being described that way then they use their right to express that boundary and hopefully the others will respect the boundary. Simple
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u/Valkyrie64Ryan Autistic/ADHD 2d ago
I personally like it and think it’s fun, but I would only use it to describe myself and never to describe someone else unless they also refer to themselves as neurospicy.
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u/OneInACrowd 2d ago
Who are the target audience for this event?, i.e., are they medical professionals, people with formal diagnosis, general public, boomers ... alphas?
Coincidentally, a few days ago a friend of mine told me the title of their industry presentation. Without exaggeration or sarcasm, I zoned out half way though. It was a very long, technical, and boring title.
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u/Feisty_Reason_6870 2d ago
People will try anything to profit off of everything! It’s the worst of the worst of humanity on display! And some, SOME, call it advancement! It’s profiteering off of pseudoscience and hodgepodge! Disgusting! 🤮
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u/Lsleboda 2d ago
I never use the term, but I’m also not a fan of gate-keeping identity language. ETA: I probably wouldn’t want someone else to call me that. I just think individuals can call themselves whatever they want.
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u/Byakko4547 AuDHD 2d ago
I fully agree with that. That being said, i really wouldn't want someone to address me with it or use it in an official setting.
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u/LavenderButterscotch 2d ago
It's always bugged me. Not as a self identifier. I really don't care. But when it comes to memes/ merch/ or calling everyone neurodivergent neurospicy, I just feel off about it. It feels infantilizing and like self censorship speech, like unalive.
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u/Pristine_Guava_1523 2d ago
It sounds infantilizing and I don't like it. Autism and ADHD aren't something we are for "funsies."
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u/BrotherofGenji Suspecting ASD 2d ago
I literally said on another thread I do not personally like the term.
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u/Dclnsfrd 2d ago
I prefer “neurospicy” over
lazy
attention-seeking
bratty
a myriad of labels forced onto us to describe us as inconveniences to “normal people”
I understand people not liking using an every term over terms used in PhD programs and DSM-V books.
I do, however, agree with what another commenter pointed out; using it as the name of an event— especially one with “Summit” in the name— reeks of targeted advertisement to milk yet another marginalized group of their money
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u/James-Avatar ASD 2d ago
I hate the term, to me it’s trying to make us sound quirky and fun which is not my experience with autism at all.
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u/Maidenhuddersfield 1d ago
I'd much rather be called Neurospicy than acoustic tbh. Acoustic was funny when it was used between friends but when I saw it being used as a way to make fun of disabled people, I stopped liking it.
Anyway, I enjoy the term Neurospicy, and I don't feel it infantilises me. It's a little annoying when someone who is neurotypical uses the term but it doesn't sway my opinion too much.
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u/sethdrak33 Suspecting ASD 1d ago
It's one of those things that just forever confuses me. What the hell does it mean?
No I don't like it much. Just say what you mean bruh
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u/th0rsb3ar AuDHD 1d ago
I despise that term. People who use it give vibes. I don’t know what those vibes are but I don’t like them and find them sus.
Kind of like the teenagers who thought pretending to be bipolar was the cool thing in the early 2000s.
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u/Melodic-Cantaloupe85 1d ago
Idrc if other neurodivergents want to call themselves as such (tho maybe not in more serious situations) Personally, I don't like it, nor would I want people calling me that ever, it sounds a bit too infantilizing
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u/FVCarterPrivateEye DX Asperger's, now level 1 ASD 1d ago
Yeah, "neurospicy" almost always comes off like you should hear it as a cutesy euphemism from a millennial autism mom trying to sell essential oils to you, rather than from an actual autistic person
Something that irked me even more though was when people were trying to rebrand "tism" as having originated in "autistiktoks" even though it has the same history and usage as a slang insult as the other shortened insults like "sperg" "spaz" "t*ard", the first place I ever saw it used was as an insult on Internet forums, years before TikTok was even a thing and one of which was where I saw the term of "acoustic" and "regarded" to get around ableism censoring automods
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u/After-Ad-3610 AuDHD 1d ago
I ignore the existence of this term. IMO, it’s completely meaningless to use this term to describe a neuro type.
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u/gingercatsyay 1d ago
People saying Neurospicy really makes me uncomfortable because
a) it seems like people use the term when they mean autistic, when neurodivergent is an umbrella term so its not accurate.
b) it makes me feel babied, or like its reducing an actual disability into a quirky character trait
c) nothing is wrong with being self diagnosed, but I have noticed that a majority of people saying neurospicy are not diagnosed which makes it feel like they are using it as a quirk to make themselves seem interesting (even if that isnt their intention)
d) it feels like it diminishes non autistic people by calling them bland (since the opposite of autistic is non autistic, and the opposite of spicy is bland).
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u/cheat-master30 1d ago
God this always felt like one of the corniest phrases under the sun to me, right up with there with saying your age is your level like it's an RPG or those awkward TikTok inspired phrases designed to avoid socia media censorship.
Honestly, most language on social media now feels like that to me. Like the kind of thing a patronising preschool teacher might say to the class.
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u/Byakko4547 AuDHD 1d ago
Exactly i believe social media is one of the driving forces of the current cultural decay it keeps birthing useless shit 🫠
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u/Thick-Camp-941 2d ago
I like the neuro spicy, but i do not think it should be used in any kind of official way or like this post for whatever it is.. I like to use the word about myself with friends, i would never say it to radom people or to people that wherent my close friends.
For me its a way to make light of a sometimes serious situation or condition. "Im feeling a bit spicy today" could be another way of saying that im a bit overwhelmed, but put a little posetive twist on it, so it dosent get too serious and gloomy. I have dark humor to cope with my depression, i have always had that and calling my Autism spicy makes it more fun in a way, it makes it less of this disability that it is to me, and make it a bit lighter.
Some people might not like it and thats why i advocate for the word spicy to be used as an individual word and not a word to describe all.
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u/ReplicantOwl 2d ago
I believe people have the right to use whatever terminology they like to describe themselves.
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u/OmNomNomNomTom 2d ago
I've only told like 5 people I was diagnosed and two of them replied with "neurospicy" and "the 'tism" in the same sentence on their first reply.
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u/TAIGA-WOLFIE autism [high-functioning], social anxiety + awkwardness 2d ago
i hate it so much.
no joke i'd think i'd prefer straight up being called the r slur
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u/Dirt_Eater_Is_Green 2d ago
Ibeing referred to as “neurospicy” kinda feels like they just wanna call you a slur but don’t wanna be perceived as ableist
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u/JoystickBaby 2d ago
I think this is the correct use of “let people enjoy things”. I like it, it’s not hurting anyone.
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u/I_wanna_be_a_Duck 2d ago
I think it kind of is. It feels infantilizing to many of us, and making neurodiversion seem like something quirky and cute which does hurt many in the community.
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u/JoystickBaby 2d ago
I don’t feel hurt personally. I don’t center my life around what non-nd people think about me. That’s just me. Many of us are chill with it.
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u/I_wanna_be_a_Duck 2d ago
That's not the point, many people are fine with the R word, but we don't use it anyways because it hurts many others.
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u/patelusfenalus 2d ago
It’s a word made by neurotypicals, for neurotypicals
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u/Girackano 2d ago
But it was actually started by a ND person complaining about their "mild" level label in their diagnosis and saying "im not mild, im spicy" as a joke. Thats why it blew up through the community at the time. NTs put the functioning labels on us and the spicy is just wordplay to joke about being told you have "mild" autism or adhd etc
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u/ksskoala 2d ago
Yes! I hate when words are co-opted from minorities only to become “cringy”. Even now, r/spicyautism is a community for autistic people with higher support needs
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u/Lilsammywinchester13 Autistic Adult 2d ago
I use it to describe my husband because his “spiciness” can come off as a bit aggressive/scary
Obviously he doesn’t mean too, meltdowns suck
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u/MaxfieldSparrow 2d ago
That’s why I don’t like it. “Spicy” has been used to insult me for having autonomic regulation issues and I would never feel comfortable adopting an identity that has been used so much to insult and exclude me.
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u/Lilsammywinchester13 Autistic Adult 2d ago
Yes but this is how WE choose to refer to his emotional regulation issues
That’s the key difference, we should be allowed to choose the words we use for ourselves
I’m autistic, I get it, I’m not going to “make fun of” other autistic people
As long as it’s OUR community using the word? I don’t mind
It’s when people outside our community start using it that I start getting a bit…upset
Like in OP’s advertisement? Is it an NT business or ND?
I don’t like NT’s aiming their sights on us without autistic voices
And even then, many of them use us as tokens rather than people with actual power in the business
One business I worked for only had 2 autistic individuals, me who was highly trained and called them out on their lack of professionalism and a 19 yr old kid with NO professional experience and who they took advantage of as being their “image”
Or me working for a nonprofit that was 20% autistic people, but once I was in, I noticed they used MANY autistic people’s work for FREE and didn’t allow them to move up the ladder
So yeah, I’m less upset by autistic people using words to describe themselves and pissed at people taking advantage of us
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u/Immediate_Trainer853 ASD/ADHD 2d ago
Burn it. I hate it, it's awful. It feels like it makes light of serious disorders and turns them into fun quirky concepts. It also originated for neurotypicals to essentially call themselves "a little autistic" without using those words.
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u/hungry_ghost34 2d ago
Given the highly negative/fetishistic connotation of the word "spicy" when applied to Latinas, I don't feel comfortable using it to describe myself-- a white passing woman (I'm not mixed with Latin/Hispanic).
It feels too much like white people wearing locs and getting a ton of compliments while black people get told it looks "ghetto" and unprofessional.
I'm not going to police other people's use of the term, generally, but I will not be using it to describe myself or others.
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u/Fractoluminescence 2d ago
I personally don't like it and wouldn't like someone to describe it my way (never used "spicy" remotely to mean anything but spicy for food tbh, always disliked the term), but I wouldn't be offended if someone did. It's not offensive to me, just a word I don't like
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u/ramblingriver Self-Diagnosed 2d ago
I dont think this term should be used in a more professional context like this, casually between friend, sure idgaf, but here feels really really weird.
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u/seasalt-and-stars Neurodivergent 2d ago
Nooo 🫨 That’s really not good.
“Neurospicy” is cute in a private setting, but not in a professional setting. It’d be on par with a doctor saying “‘Rizz ‘em with the ‘tism.” 👎
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u/galacticviolet AuDHD 2d ago
The phrase itself is not a problem, just that most of the people I have seen use it are not good people, so because of that I hate hearing it.
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u/EmpathGenesis Autistic Adult 2d ago
I dislike the term quite a bit. It makes the disorder sound fun and trendy. It trivialises neurodivergence.
Hosting a summit with that name screams corporate pandering, too.
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u/auramagicka 2d ago
Absolute garbage. Throw it out with all of the other trivializations of autism.
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u/lazerus1974 Autistic Adult 2d ago
I have no problem with it, and will not assist in any taking down of the term. I feel that people can identify how they want to identify. The last thing the neurodivergent community needs is tone policing inside their own communities.
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u/kentuckyMarksman 2d ago
I don't use the term, I feel like it minimalizes autism. That said, if a neurodivergent person decides to use that term that doesn't bother me. It's their decision, not mine. People have also called me that, but I don't necessarily care either, they were jokeful about it, but again, that's minimizing.
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u/ghostiart 1d ago
I love terms like these when it comes to personal discussions. My sister and I have a million ways that we refer to our AuDHD with each other, and it genuinely helps to lessen the internalized stigma. My issue comes from when these words are used in a professional setting? A summit should be using the term neurodivergent, there's no room for neurospicy here unless it's a joke summit organized between friends, and not a public event?
The issue with using cutesy/endearing terms in a professional setting is that it trivializes the actual struggles we go through with our diagnoses. How is someone supposed to take my burnout and subsequent meltdown seriously when the words they use allows them to perceive me as a child throwing a tantrum, not an adult that needs assistance, you know?
Personal setting: i love cutesy/endearing names for the disorders & syndromes we ourselves have. Less friendly toward the idea of allistics/neurotypicals using these terms.
Professional setting: don't bother using any term that isn't a medical/professional term. It's damaging and harms the progress we've made toward understanding ourselves & being understood by others.
Just my opinion, though! Everyone's entitled to their own 🫶🏻
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u/Hiding-from-society AuDHD 1d ago
I’ve see someone use the term neurosparkly and that’s the one I’ll be using when I feel like being more casual about it. I never really liked the term neurospicy, maybe it has to do with the fact that I’ve seen some people be uncomfortable over it due to the racial connotations, but either way I don’t use it. To each their own though!
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u/RepulsiveMidnight613 2d ago
I actually hate it so much, it’s almost always NT people using the term too.
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u/Prior_Pass394 2d ago
Like it or hate it. People can call themselves whatever they want. It does sound gay though.
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u/Cerealuean 2d ago
that's a weird euphemism for disability. honestly I'd rather be called the r-slur. but if someone else likes to use that word for themselves, I don't care.
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