Hi! Today I would like to discuss the difference between “identity-first” language (IFL) and “person-first” language (PFL) as it pertains to autism spectrum disorder. A thread:

Many people tend to think that PFL (“person with autism” or “person with ASD”) is a more respectful way of establishing recognition of an individual’s humanity.
However, PFL suggests that a person can be separated from their autism. It may also come across in a pathologizing way.

For example, we don’t say “cancerous person,” we say “person with cancer” bc cancer is a disease & does not make up the identity of the person.
Autism is not a disease & cannot be taken away. It is part of that person’s identity (e.g. “gay person,” “black person,” “deaf person”).

Many autistic advocates have expressed their preference of IFL (“autistic person/individual”). This form prevents the erasure of a person’s identity & serves to validate and affirm their identity as an autistic person.

Of course, there are good & bad ways of using IFL. Referring to someone as “that autistic kid” or “the autistic” in a demeaning way is never okay. In fact, using an autistic identity as a means to degrade “weird” behavior is never okay, whether that person is autistic or not.

The use of IFL or PFL is similar to preferred pronouns. There are some individuals who prefer to be referred to using PFL. If you are corrected, accept it and move on!

That being said, one should always default to IFL. Language is important & shifting toward a society where IFL is the norm can largely benefit acceptance of the autistic community.

For more information, check out this article from the Autistic Self Advocacy Network ( https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/identity-first-language/).
Additionally, this great resource gives a break down of the best autistic organizations and many of those that should be avoided ( https://www.google.com/amp/s/intheloopaboutneurodiversity.wordpress.com/2019/11/28/good-autistic-advocacy-organizations-vs-bad-autism-charities/amp/).