The Language of Autism: Identity-First vs. Person-First Language

Words matter—especially when talking about people and the way they experience the world. When it comes to autism, one of the most debated topics in disability advocacy is language. Should we say “autistic person” or “person with autism”?

This isn’t just about semantics—it’s about identity, respect, and how we view autism itself. In this post, we’ll explore both perspectives and explain why many in the autistic community advocate for identity-first language.

🧩 What Is Person-First Language?

Person-first language puts the person before the condition—for example:

• “Person with autism”

• “Person who has autism”

The intent is to emphasize the individual over the diagnosis. This approach became popular in clinical and educational settings as a way to combat dehumanizing labels and reduce stigma. It reflects the idea that people are more than their disabilities.

🧠 What Is Identity-First Language?

Identity-first language puts the descriptor before the person—for example:

• “Autistic person”

• “Autistic adult/child”

This approach treats autism as an integral part of someone’s identity—not something separate or shameful. Many autistic people prefer this language because it reflects how they experience the world. Autism isn’t just something they have—it’s something they are.

📣 Why Many Autistic People Prefer Identity-First Language

1. Autism is part of our identity Saying “autistic person” is like saying “Deaf person” or “Jewish person.” It’s a cultural, neurological, and social identity—not a disease or burden.

2. Person-first language can imply shame “Person with autism” can subtly suggest that autism is something negative, to be separated from the person—as if it’s an illness they carry or a flaw they possess.

3. It reflects how we think about ourselves Many autistic people don’t see autism as something that happened to them. It’s part of their perspective, communication, thinking, and sensory experience. It’s not just a label—it’s their lived reality.

❗ Why Some Still Use Person-First Language

Some individuals and families—especially those who are new to autism or prefer more clinical language—may still use person-first language. For some, it feels respectful or aligns with how they were trained. Others may have been told that identity-first language is “wrong” or insensitive.

The key here is choice and respect—not one-size-fits-all rules.

🗣️ So What Should You Say?

✅ Listen to what the individual or community prefers. If an autistic person tells you how they identify, honor that—whether it’s identity-first or person-first.

✅ When in doubt, go with identity-first in community-wide conversations. Most self-advocates and autistic-led organizations (like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network) support identity-first language.

✅ Avoid outdated, offensive terms altogether. Terms like “sufferer,” “high-functioning,” “Asperger’s,” or “low-functioning” are either inaccurate, misleading, or rooted in ableism.

💬 Final Thoughts

Language evolves—and it should. What matters most is not just what you say, but whether you're willing to listen to the people you're talking about.

Whether someone prefers “autistic person” or “person with autism,” respect their preference. And when speaking generally, consider following the lead of the autistic community. After all, the people most impacted by autism deserve to define how it’s spoken about.