A lot of people who have autism have incontinence, usually urinary but in people with severe autism full incontinence. This requires the person to have to wear a diaper. But that word is very harsh. When you think of that word you think of a baby or someone old and close to death. 

People with autism usually are late to be toilet trained, with the age usually around 6 or 7. The average is about 5-6. In my opinion anytime over the age of 3 the word diaper is a stigmatism. So, then what is the proper word. 

In my case I was toilet trained around 5 years but then I was sexually assaulted and around the age of 22 I was forced back into “diapers” to due to medical issues arising from the assault. I hate the word diaper, its humiliating so as you would say in a hospital the correct word is brief. Jacob has to wear “briefs” sounds better then Jacob has to wear “diapers”.   

Protect your child’s feelings and use the medically correct term of “brief”. Instead of “diaper” and you will be giving your child or young adult dignity and empowering them for a better future    

-Jacob Galipeau December 6, 2025-