You’re Not Acoustic

By Madison James and Cal Meier

In the golden age of social media, slang terms like ‘type sh-,’ ‘locked in,’ and ‘let them cook,’ are the new norm of conversation. This is all in good fun, innocent terms of describing agreeing with someone, being focused, or letting someone do things freely. But as the English language evolves; where do we draw the line? Two harrowing terms that have gained traction recently are ‘acoustic,’ and ‘sped.’ News flash, unless stated otherwise by a professional, no you are not acoustic and no you are not sped. Terms like those aren’t the funny insult you think it is.

The term "Acoustic" is derived from a deliberate mispronunciation of "autistic" and is used to describe behavior deemed quirky or unusual. Although originally used in phrases like ‘Why did [x] do that? Are they acoustic?’ Eventually, the term developed to scold ‘stupid behavior’. 

This is similar to the term “SPED.” SPED is a shortened version of special education, a way of teaching that accommodates students with individual differences. Unfortunately, this has been manipulated to be a way to call someone who acted unusual, someone with an intellectual disability. While some may argue that these are simply playful terms with no malicious intent, the reality is far more insidious. Using those two terms in a derogatory way is essentially abusing a loophole from using the r slur or being openly ableist.

You’re probably wondering why we’re telling you this. It’s because last month, April, was Autism Awareness Month, the month of recognizing how much people with autism, ADHD, etc. have contributed to the world we live in today. Those of you who are autistic (NOT acoustic) and in NEST like Cal may know this, and those who aren’t have probably seen the posters in the hall outside room 329 of famous autistic people like Greta Thunberg.

Although one may not intend to, by using intellectual differences as a punchline, individuals perpetuate harmful stereotypes and invalidate the experiences of those living with Autism and other neurodivergent conditions. Using mental illness as an insult not only harms individuals with those conditions but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes about these conditions. Autism is not synonymous with lower intelligence or bad behavior; it is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that affects individuals in diverse ways.                              

As a society, we must challenge ourselves to be more mindful of the language we use and its potential impact on others. Instead of perpetuating harmful stereotypes, let's promote understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity. By refraining from using mental illness as an insult and educating others about the harmful effects of such language, we can create a better world for all those in it.