Group Discussion: Person-First v. Identity-First Language

We spent some time learning about the two language models most commonly used when speaking about autistic individuals. Our spellers summarized each model and had some thoughts to share about their own preferences!

Describe person-first language:

Maudey: Person-first language puts the person before the diagnosis.

Dylan: Like "a man with autism."

Jack: It is meant to recognize the equal value of all people

Why did autistic self-advocate Jim Sinclair dislike person-first language?

Maudey: He said it implied that people are separate from their brains.

Jack: He also said we use adjectives to describe ourselves. Like "I am an Italian man."

Dylan: Autism is an important part of who we are. That means he wants to use it as an adjective to describe himself.

Describe his argument for identity-first language:

Jack: Separating oneself from autism in language stigmatizes it. The argument is that we should never be ashamed of disability.

Maudey: Also that autism impacts who we are so much. It is an important part of us.

Do you prefer person-first or identity-first language, and why?

Dylan: Not sure. I see the argument from both sides. I do not mind either way.

Jack: I prefer identity-first language because I am shaped by autism. It has shaped all of who I am. If you changed it you would change all of me. I am proud of who I am and I would not change it.

Maudey: I agree with Jack and I want to say I love the idea not to stigmatize autism. I am also proud of who I am. It has challenges but it is without doubt beautiful.

Joe: I think I like the idea of person-first language in that it thinks about all people as equal. However, I see the point in identity-first language and how it doesn't stigmatize autism. I think I am also ok with either. I think it is most important that people are respectful of our intelligence no matter what language they use.

Christopher: Happy to share that I used to prefer person-first language because I wanted to be seen as normal. Now I embrace my autism. I know I can live an independent life. I need support, but because I can spell my mind is free. I feel no shame anymore. Identity-first all the way.

Jack: Christopher, I am thrilled you feel no shame anymore. I love so much about our community. Support is crucial. With the right support we can all shine. Everyone needs support with something so we have nothing to be ashamed of.

Maudey: I think Joe is right. In the end really I care more that people treat me with respect. I think it is less important to stress about semantics. More important to be open minded and respectful.

Dylan: Hearing what you all have to say I like identity-first. It is a great point that you should never be ashamed of you. Nothing but pride in who I am.