🎙️ Why Words Matter: Our Podcast Experience

 Recently, David and I had the opportunity to be part of a powerful conversation on the Celebrate What’s Different podcast with Barber National Institute.


The episode focused on an important question: Why do certain harmful words keep coming back—and why does it matter?


In today’s world of social media, memes, and fast-moving trends, language spreads quickly. Sometimes, words that many people thought were left in the past suddenly reappear. And often, people dismiss them by saying, “It’s just a word.”


But for people in the disability and autism community, words are never “just words.”


What We Talked About


During the podcast, we discussed:

• How harmful language is spreading again on platforms like TikTok and X

• Why people use these words without thinking about the impact

• The history behind certain terms

• How language affects self-esteem, mental health, and identity

• Why respectful communication matters


We also talked about how words that once started as medical terms became insults—and how that shift caused real harm.


My Perspective


As an autistic author and advocate, this conversation meant a lot to me.


Growing up and navigating the world, I’ve seen how words can either make someone feel seen or make them feel small. One careless comment can stay with you for years. One encouraging sentence can change your whole mindset.


Being part of this podcast reminded me why I write, why I speak out, and why Brown Side of Autism exists—to bring awareness, truth, and understanding.


Why This Matters Today


Social media has made it easier than ever for harmful language to spread. Jokes go viral. Insults become trends. And empathy sometimes gets lost.


That’s why conversations like this are so important.


We don’t have to be perfect. We do have to be intentional.


What I Hope People Take Away


From this episode, I hope listeners learn to:

• Think before speaking

• Understand the history behind words

• Listen to disabled voices

• Apologize when they get it wrong

• Choose kindness over clout


Words can hurt.

Words can heal.

We decide which one they become.


Final Thoughts


I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this discussion and to represent our community alongside David.


This podcast wasn’t just about language.

It was about respect, growth, and responsibility.


And that’s why words matter.


- Daniel Gillespie 




Celebrate What’s Different: David’s POV


On February 3rd


Me & Daniel


Went and had the opportunity 


To be on a podcast called


“Celebrate What’s Different”


With the Barber National Institute 


We had a inspiring 


& insightful conversation 


About Pop Culture & Social Media 


And how society treats people 


On the spectrum via internet 


We focused on how people 


Use harmful words 


And why certain words come back


And why does it matter 


And how can we


Gravitate it towards 


Something positive 


Rather than negative 


As well as getting to know the person 


Instead of being rude to them 


As well as it may affect them personally 


And emotionally 


And as well may have an impact 


On them mentally


During our time on the podcast 


We talked about how certain words


Are resurfacing on social media 


And why most people 


Don’t know about the history 


Behind these words 


As it can effect one’s own Insecurities,

Mental Health, Self-Esteem, And Confidence 



What I do hope 


That they take away from this


As an advocate for Autism Awareness 


It’s truly transparency for everyone 


And we hope it reaches someone 


That have either experienced or even 


Experiencing this harmful behavior 


Being on the spectrum 


And we hope


It sheds some light 


To those whoever reads our blogs 


And have the courage 


To keep going 


To hopefully one day share there story 


If possible 

















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