How do I deal with possibly unintentional prejudice?

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Giving details as vaguely as possible to avoid identifying anyone. Basically I'm on a committee, one of the new members recently sent round a general email querying our procedure for dealing with something. I answered it as it was something I knew about. Then she came back with a related query, ending up with a paragraph in which she apologised for sticking with the point, and saying she had an "annoying autism about procedure". Aaaaaarrgh.

I had to count to 10 several times before replying, and didn't address that specific point because it would have diverted from the main issue and I needed time to think about it anyway. I'm assuming in her favour that she just wasn't thinking, but I'm quite shocked that the thought even enters her head that it's acceptable to use "autism" in that way and especially to describe it as annoying. Even more so as she's in an occupation which could loosely be described as one of the caring professions. If she came up with anything similar at meetings I doubt that I'd be able to keep quiet, and there are one or two members who would probably shout at her.

So I'm trying to think of a tactful way to suggest that that was unfortunate phrasing, no doubt she didn't realise, please don't do it again. But it's difficult to work out something that doesn't sound stroppy/patronising/bossy. Any thoughts?

Oh dear. My DH is naturally miserable. I keep telling him happiness is a choice, but I think you might be right.

Look at me being all sad about happiness

Your DD sounds lovely Fanjo

I do think it is wrong. I have heard some people say 'I am SO bipolar' I think MH problems are often used in this way- OCD, depression, anorexia and bipolar are the ones used most commonly. Of course, there is also the use of psychotic to mean someone is horrible, plus saying they want to commit suicide (as a joke after something trivial). And I've not seen it for autism before, but I hope it doesn't become more commonly used like that.

Whilst I do understand those posters who are on the side of reason, may I please, please ask that you stop describing Autistic Spectrum Differences as a MH problem. It really isn't. The co-morbids often associated with Autism in all its varying forms may well be described as mental health problems, OCD, Depression, etc. But Autism in itself is not. It's a difference in the way the Brain is wired, and therefore a difference in the way it functions.
Thank you.

Hard one.

I have OCD. To be honest I wouldn't think to be offended by someone saying "I'm a bit OCD about that.." Or whatever. No one is saying it to piss me off.... Normally they're saying it because they don't understand what OCD is.

I'm prepared to be told in wrong but life is hard enough without taking offense every time someone innocently uses this, at worst, slightly daft, expression.

Dizzy, first of all, I hope things improve for you, it's hard having any sort of difficulty.
On to the second part. How do you think my dd feels everytime someone tells somebody else in the classroom that they're acting like a spaz, or that they're so fucking autistic? Do you think that casual use of language makes her feel better about having Cerebral Palsy and Asperger Syndrome? She's 17. If we can stop adults using the terms in such throw away remarks and emails, then the children stop using them too, and those with differences and disabilities start to feel equal. Until we change the use of language so that every day sexism, disablism and prejudices are challenged, nobody stands a chance.

She is lovely. Even at 1am when she starts bouncing :)