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Last Updated on September 22, 2025 by John Hookway
You may hear people say “person with autism” or “autistic person.” These are two ways to discuss disabilities, highlighting the debate between person-first vs identity-first language.
Person-first language emphasizes the individual before the disability, while identity-first language recognizes the disability as an integral part of a person’s identity.
This distinction is significant. Many self-advocates believe that the choice of words impacts respect and dignity. For instance:
- A study in 2023 found that 87% of autistic adults prefer identity-first language.
- Professionals often use person-first language due to established guidelines.
- Advocacy groups recommend using the terminology that each individual prefers.
Person-first vs identity-first language reflects different perspectives. One approach views disability as separate from the individual, while the other considers it a fundamental aspect of who they are.
Key Takeaways
- Person-first language puts the person before their disability. This helps show respect and dignity.
- Identity-first language sees disability as a big part of who someone is. It helps people feel proud and like they belong.
- It is important to listen to what words people want to use. Using their choice of words shows respect and care.
- Picking person-first or identity-first language can change how people see disability and identity.
- Using kind words can help make a place where everyone feels included.
Person-First Language
Definition
Person-first language puts the person before their disability. You say “person with a disability” instead of “disabled person.” This way of speaking started during the disability rights movement in the late 20th century.
People wanted to fight against stigma and show respect for everyone. Groups like the American Psychological Association and the National Education Association support this approach. They believe it helps reduce negative stereotypes and affirms each person’s identity.
Examples
You can use person-first language in many ways. Here are some common examples:
- “Person who is blind”
- “People with spinal cord injuries”
- Child with Down syndrome”
- Student with learning differences”
These phrases focus on the individual first. You do not let the disability define the person.
| Evidence Description | Source Link |
|---|---|
| Person-first language emphasizes viewing individuals as whole persons, promoting respect and dignity. | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6371927/ |
| The ‘People First’ movement highlights the empowerment of individuals through language prioritizing personhood. | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6371927/ |
| Not using person-first language creates barriers, distancing practitioners from seeing the individual as a whole. | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6371927/ |
Rationale
Person-first language puts the person before their disability. You say “person with a disability” instead of “disabled person.” This way of speaking started during the disability rights movement in the late 20th century.
People wanted to fight against stigma and show respect for everyone. Groups like the American Psychological Association and the National Education Association support this approach. They believe it helps reduce negative stereotypes and affirms each person’s identity.
Examples
You can use person-first language in many ways. Here are some common examples:
- “Person who is blind”
- “People with spinal cord injuries”
- “Child with Down syndrome”
- “Student with learning differences”
These phrases focus on the individual first. You do not let the disability define the person.
| Evidence Description | Source Link |
|---|---|
| Person-first language emphasizes viewing individuals as whole persons, promoting respect and dignity. | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6371927/ |
| The ‘People First’ movement highlights the empowerment of individuals through language prioritizing personhood. | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6371927/ |
| Not using person-first language creates barriers, distancing practitioners from seeing the individual as a whole. | https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6371927/ |
Rationale
You use person-first language to show respect and dignity. This approach helps you see people as more than their disability. It encourages you to focus on their strengths and needs. Many disability rights organizations say:
Person-first language is acknowledging the person first and including the qualifier of disability after. This approach allows individuals to define themselves and their identities, fostering a more inclusive and respectful dialogue.
Research shows that person-first language can reduce negative stereotypes and prejudice. It helps people support policies that protect the rights of those with disabilities. However, the effect may not be the same for every group.
Research indicates that person-first language can reduce negative stereotypes and prejudice towards outgroups, enhancing support for policies that promote their rights. However, this effect may vary across different social groups, suggesting that person-first language does not uniformly reduce stigma.
When you think about person-first vs identity-first language, you see that person-first language tries to separate the disability from the person’s value. You help create a world where everyone feels respected.
Identity-First Language
Definition
Identity-first language puts the disability before the person. You say “autistic person” instead of “person with autism.” This shows the disability is a big part of someone’s identity.
Many self-advocates use identity-first language to show pride. Groups like the Deaf community and autistic adults use this way of speaking.
More people now choose identity-first language to share their experiences and culture.
| Year | Event/Change | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | Advocacy Movements Start | The People First Movement wanted person-first language for dignity. |
| 1974 | First Self-Advocacy Conference | Person-first language was introduced, focusing on the person. |
| 1993 | Criticism of Person-First Language | The National Federation of the Blind did not accept person-first language. |
| Recent Years | Shift to Identity-First Language | Many in the autism community now like identity-first language. |
Examples
You can use identity-first language in different ways. Here are some examples:
- Autistic person
- Deaf individual
- Disabled student
- Blind adult
These phrases show the disability is not hidden or separated. Identity-first language helps people feel proud and part of a group.
- Many advocates think their disability is a key part of who they are.
- You might hear, “I am disabled,” instead of “I have a disability.”
- This language helps people feel they belong to a community, like the Deaf community.
Rationale
People use identity-first language because they see disability as normal human diversity. Many in the autistic and Deaf communities do not like person-first language.
They think it tries to split their identity from their disability. Some people feel proud to be in a group with shared culture and history.
For example, the Deaf community values its language and traditions. Autistic adults often pick identity-first language because it matches how they see themselves.
| Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Identity-first language is common among neurodivergent and disabled self-advocates. | This means many people in these groups like identity-first language. |
| Every autistic and disabled person in our community uses identity-first language. | This shows pride and belonging. |
| The label ‘disabled’ means a lot to me. | This shows why identity-first language matters to some people. |
Person-first vs identity-first language is more than just words. It is about how you see disability and identity.
Some people think identity-first language helps them feel noticed and respected. Others may like person-first language better. You should listen to what each person wants and respect their choice.
| Group | Preference for Language | Notes on Language Use |
|---|---|---|
| Autistic Adults | Identity-first language | They like to call themselves or others autistic. |
| Autism Professionals | Person-first language | They usually support and use person-first language. |
| General Autism Stakeholders | Mixed preferences | Surveys show some like identity-first and some like person-first language. |
Person-First vs Identity-First Language
Key Differences
There are big differences between person-first vs identity-first language. The way you say each phrase changes what you focus on.
- Person-First Language: You say the person first, like “a girl with Down syndrome” or “a boy with autism.” This way puts the person before the disability.
- Identity-First Language: You say the disability first, like “autistic boy” or “Down syndrome girl.” This way puts the identity before the person.
Language experts say person-first language is used for most disabilities. Identity-first language is popular in groups like the Deaf and autistic communities.
Choosing person-first vs identity-first language means more than just words. Person-first language shows a person is more than their disability. Identity-first language lets people accept their disability as part of who they are.
Person-first language puts the person before their disability to stop bias and protect dignity. Identity-first language helps people see disability as a big part of who they are.
Here is a table to show the main differences:
| Language Type | Structure Example | Main Focus | Common Contexts |
|---|---|---|---|
| Person-First | Person with a disability | Individual before disability | Most disabilities, medical settings |
| Identity-First | Disabled person | Disability as part of identity | Deaf, autistic, and advocacy groups |
Impact
The words you use can change how you and others think about disability and identity. Language can shape how people act and how society treats others.
| Key Point | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Language Changes Reality | How you talk about disability affects what people believe and what rules are made. |
| Self-Fulfilling Prophecy | Changing words can shape how people think and limit other ideas. |
| Ableist Language Impact | When professionals use ableist words, it can hurt how disabled people are seen. |
Professionals have a lot of power. If they use ableist words, it can harm disabled people and future talks. The way you talk about disability can help or hurt others.
A study looked at how knowing about person-first and identity-first language connects to stigma about neurodevelopmental disorders. It found that people with more stigma want to use more respectful words. This means that stigma about ADHD and Autism is linked to wanting to be careful with language. The words you pick can show what you think about people with these diagnoses.
People still talk about person-first vs identity-first language. Some say person-first language helps people see the person, not just the disability. Others say identity-first language gives pride and helps people feel they belong.
Here are some common points:
| Language Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Person-First | Reminds us people with disabilities are human. | Can make disability seem bad, like a sickness. |
| Identity-First | Shows disability is a big part of identity. | Might make it seem like disability is all a person is, which can cause stereotypes. |
Person-first language started in the 1980s during the disability rights movement. People wanted to show disability was not the main thing about a person. Now, more people see that identity is complicated and disability can be something to be proud of.
You see person-first vs identity-first language in the media, too. For example:
| Language Type | Example | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Person-First | Person with a disability | This way puts the person first and shows disability is just one part of them. |
| Identity-First | Disabled person | This way says disability is a big part of who someone is, and is often used in disability groups. |
When you pick your words, you help others see disability in a good way. You can help people feel respected and proud.
This debate shows language is important. You should listen to what people want and use words that support dignity and identity.
Usage and Preferences
When to Use Each
You might wonder when to use person-first or identity-first language. The answer depends on who you are talking about.
Big groups like the American Psychological Association say to use person-first language. This is common for kids or in hospitals.
But some adults and advocacy groups like identity-first language better. Many autistic adults and people in the Deaf community see their disability as a big part of themselves.
Here is a table with some rules:
| Language Type | Description | Usage Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Person-First Language | Focuses on the person first, not the disability | Used for people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, especially kids under 18 |
| Identity-First Language | Shows the disability is part of identity | Many adults with disabilities like blindness, deafness, and autism prefer this |
| General Recommendation | Respect what people want | Use the language the person or group likes best |
You should ask people how they want to be described. Some people do not care much as long as you are respectful.
What people like can change over time and can be different in each group. The chart below shows how people in disability groups feel about language:
Misconceptions
Some people think there is only one right way to talk about disability. That is not true. Many believe person-first language is always better, but lots of Deaf and autistic people like identity-first language.
You may hear person-first language is more polite, but forcing it can ignore what disabled people want.
Here are some things people get wrong:
- Deaf community members often see deafness as a culture, not just a disability.
- Some autistic people want to be called autistic, not “a person with autism.
- People without disabilities often push person-first language, which can feel rude to those who like identity-first language.
The words you use change how you see and treat others. Using the wrong words can make people feel left out or not understood. You help make the world kinder when you listen and use the words people want.
Schools and jobs now teach both person-first and identity-first language. They tell you to ask and respect each person’s choice. This helps everyone feel included when talking about person-first vs identity-first language.
You can show respect in different ways with person-first vs identity-first language. Person-first language puts the person before their disability. Identity-first language helps people feel proud of who they are.
Experts say you should change your words to fit what people want. You should ask people what they like. Try not to use words that hurt or stereotype.
- Ask people what words they want you to use.
- Use words that are clear and kind.
- Do not use old or rude words.
| Language Type | Who Likes It | Why People Use It |
|---|---|---|
| Person-First | Professionals | Focuses on the person |
| Identity-First | Many self-advocates | Shows pride and belonging |
When you listen and pick your words carefully, you help make the world nicer.
FAQ
What is the main difference between person-first and identity-first language?
Person-first language names the person before the disability. Identity-first language names the disability before the person. You pick the way that feels most respectful to each person or group.
Why do some people prefer identity-first language?
Some people feel proud of their disability. They think it is a big part of who they are. You show respect when you use the words they like.
How do you know which language to use?
You should ask the person or group what they want. If you are not sure, use the words most people in that group use. Listening to people shows you care.
Can using the wrong language be offensive?
Yes, using the wrong words can hurt someone’s feelings. It can seem like you do not respect who they are. You help people feel important when you use the words they choose.
Do all disability communities agree on language?
No, different groups like different words. For example, many autistic and Deaf people like identity-first language. Some other groups pick person-first language. You should always ask and use the words they want.
