This article explores the difference between person-first language and identity first language in relation to autism.
As we learn, terminology shifts to reflect new knowledge.
There will always be individual preferences, and it is important to honor the individual on a case-by-case basis.
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What Is Person-First Language?
Person-First Language (PFL) refers to terminology that puts the person ahead of the diagnosis.
It aims to frame the diagnosis as something the person has rather than something that they are.
Referring to people with disabilities is an example of PFL.
PFL aims to require the use ofrespectful languagewhen referring to people with disabilities.
In some instances, PFL can be a tool to fight stigma.
For example, it can be harmful to say schizophrenics rather than people withschizophrenia.
However, many communities find PFL isolatingbecause it separates the individual from their diagnosis.
Autistic people experience the world differently than non-autistic people.
Their perception and experience are fundamentally distinct due to their autism.
What Is Identity-First Language?
Identity-First Language (IFL) is language and terminology that puts the diagnosis or identity at the forefront.
IFL pushes back against this by simply naming the diagnosis rather than commenting on how it impacts the individual.
Historically, organizations have used IFL to emphasize deficits and justify reduced autonomy.
Neurodivergentconditions, including autism, are brain differences, meaning that they impact who the person is.
Similar to the Autistic Not Weird survey, most indicated a strong preference for IFL.
A few people indicated no preference or noted that PFL used to be the standard.
When it comes to autistic voices, the current language preference is overwhelmingly identity-first language.
Office of Disability Rights.People First Respectful Language Modernization Act of 2006.
Crocker AF, Smith SN.Person-first language: are we practicing what we preach?.J Multidiscip Healthc.
Published 2019 Feb 8.
AUCD.Portrayal of People with Disabilities.
Autistic Not Weird.Results and Analysis of the Autistic Not Weird 2022 Autism Survey.
Autistic Self Advocacy web link.Identity-First Language.
2019;40(4):317-325.
Anderson-Chavarria M.The autism predicament: models of autism and their impact on autistic identity.Disability & Society.
Published online February 12, 2021:1-21.
