I can’t speak for all of us, but I prefer “Autism” as a blanket term (that we hopefully all understand covers a wide spectrum anyway) over “Disorder”. Yes, I get that we deviate from the neurodevelopmental norm, but “Disorder” feels condescending to what I perceive as simply a different way of working.
I also understand that some with higher support needs may differ from that perception. My opinion is not universal.
On the other hand, I’m perfectly fine with calling my ADHD a Disorder. Shit’s chaotic as fuck.
I didn’t take your comment as rude, personally. To me, opening with Akshually indicated that joking intent to parody pedantry and I took no offense. I just felt like expressing my opinion on the term with no particular judgement of your joke because I think that the words we use are worth talking about.
I know I have a habit of replying seriously to jokes, which often comes across as me taking issue with them. I keep forgetting to clarify the tone of my message. If only there was a medical term for that communication deficit 😉