"Person with Autism" or "Autistic Person"?

The language we use to describe human experiences profoundly shapes society's perception, understanding, and treatment of different groups. When it comes to the autistic condition, the discussion surrounding the correct terminology - whether to use the phrase "person with autism" or the term "autistic person" - is far more than a mere semantic issue. It is a debate concerning identity, acceptance, and the self-understanding of many people. The preference for a particular identity-first language often reflects a broader worldview, especially the shift from the medical model, which views Autism as a deficit, to the Social Model of Disability and the neurodiversity approach, which recognizes Autism as a natural part of human neurological diversity. Our goal here is to uncover the different layers of this discussion, illuminate the perspectives of the autistic community itself, and help create respectful and empowering language.

The journey to understanding Autism has undergone significant changes over the years, and these changes are clearly reflected in the language we use to describe the condition. In the past, the medical model dominated, treating Autism as a condition requiring intervention, correction, or treatment. Under this model, phrases like "person with autism" were perceived as a polite and respectful way to emphasize the person separately from what was seen as a "deficit." The idea was that the person comes before their "condition," with good intentions to prevent dehumanization or the reduction of an entire person to a single characteristic. However, as many human experiences show, good intentions are not always enough to ensure the desired impact. For many autistic people, and indeed for the vast majority of the autistic community that supports the neurodiversity model, this phrase does not reflect their reality.

The Social Model and Autistic Identity-First Language: Moving Towards an Empowering Perception

The revolution in the discourse on Autism comes with the establishment of the Social Model of Disability for various neurological conditions and the neurodiversity approach. This approach views Autism and different neurological profiles as natural variations of the human brain, similar to variations in height, hair color, or sexual orientation. From this perspective, Autism is not a "disease" to be "suffered from" or "cured," but rather an essential and inseparable characteristic of a person's identity. Many autistic people describe their Autism not as an external addition but as an integral part of their core personality, shaping their worldview, their ways of thinking, and how they interact with their environment. Therefore, identity-first language should reflect this recognition and full identity.

Within the neurodiversity paradigm, the term "autistic person" (identity-first language) is perceived as more empowering and respectful. It equates Autism with other identity characteristics, such as being "Jewish," "Black," or an "artist," which are integral parts of a person's identity. By using "autistic person," we recognize that Autism is an essential aspect of the person, not something they "have" or "suffer from," as if it were a burden or a separate object. Using such language allows autistic people to fully embrace their identity and challenge social stigmas by presenting Autism as a legitimate characteristic of human diversity. This is an act of self-acceptance and pride, challenging the traditional perception that viewed Autism only as challenges or disadvantages.

The Power of "Autistic Person": Identity and Pride

The choice to use the term "autistic person" stems from a deep understanding of identity. For many in the community, Autism is not just a list of characteristics or challenges, but a built-in way of thinking, feeling, and experiencing the world. Just as a person is not a "person with Jewishness" but a "Jewish person," and just as a person is not a "person with height" but a "tall person," so an autistic person is not a "person with autism" but an "autistic person." This language expresses the perception that there is no separation between the person and their Autism, and that autistic characteristics affect every aspect of their life, from communication to Sensory Processing. Many autistic adults note that this understanding is crucial for self-acceptance and reducing feelings of inadequacy or defect.

The term "autistic person" also constitutes a political and social statement. It challenges the implicit assumption that neurological diversity is something to be ashamed of, hidden, or tried to "cure." Instead, it allows autistic people to openly and proudly embrace their identity and promote positive visibility. The use of this identity-first language supports the broader neurodiversity movement, which calls for environmental and social change instead of trying to "fix" people with different neurological profiles. This is a call for society to be more inclusive and adapted to the diversity of human experiences, rather than expecting every person to fit a single defined mold. The language reflects the power of the community and its desire to define itself.

"Person with Autism": Good Intentions and Unintended Consequences

It must be acknowledged that phrases like "person with autism" came into use with positive intentions, aiming to emphasize the person's humanity before any other characteristic. Proponents of this approach believed it was more respectful and reduced stigma by avoiding defining a person solely by their neurological condition. For certain communities of people with various neurological conditions or specific disabilities, the "person-first" approach is indeed considered preferred and empowering, and it has helped promote a more positive perception of these individuals. In these cases, the separation between the person and the condition stems from a desire to protect their dignity and ensure they are seen as whole. However, when it comes to Autism, the context and impact can be different.

From the perspective of many autistic people, this phrase can carry unintended consequences. Separating Autism from the person creates the impression that it is an external burden, something that can be removed, hidden, or overcome, contrary to the understanding that it is an integral part of their core identity. This perception can reinforce the idea of "curing" or "fixing" Autism, an approach completely contrary to the principles of neurodiversity and one that the autistic community vehemently opposes. It can lead to a feeling of alienation or delegitimization of the autistic identity. Autistic people sometimes describe a feeling of misunderstanding when others try to separate Autism from them, as for them, it is impossible and undesirable.

The Importance of Autistic Voices in Choosing Identity-First Language

One of the central principles of the neurodiversity approach is the paramount importance of giving a voice to autistic people themselves, and recognizing their right to define their identity and preferred language. When debating which language to use, the guiding rule should be active listening and adapting to individual preferences. However, when addressing the autistic community in general, or when the discourse is intended to reflect a deep understanding of neurodiversity, the prevalent and strongest preference among the international autistic community is for the use of identity-first language, i.e., the term "autistic person." This is the best way to respect their identity and support the recognition that Autism is simply a different way of being.

For decades, people with different neurological profiles were suppressed, poorly integrated, or perceived as having only deficits, often without genuine listening to their experiences. Today, with increasing awareness of neurodiversity, the voices of autistic people are becoming stronger and clearer. They emphasize that the choice of language is not just a matter of politeness, but a matter of self-respect, recognition of identity, and rejection of pathological models. Many autistic people report that when they hear the term "autistic person," they feel a visibility and acceptance that is not present in other phrases, which imply distance or detachment from the neurological characteristic. Therefore, adapting to the community's preferred language is a vital step towards promoting true inclusivity.

The Impact of Identity-First Language on Social Understanding and Acceptance

The language we choose to use dramatically affects how society as a whole understands and accepts neurological diversity. When we use the term "autistic person," we contribute to a more positive image of people on the spectrum and work to promote broader social acceptance. Such language conveys a clear message: Autism is part of the person, and it does not diminish their worth or personality. This is a necessary step towards creating an environment where autistic people feel they belong, are valued, and can realize their potential. Many people describe how the use of identity-first language helps reduce stigma and encourages a more open and honest dialogue about autistic life experiences. This is not just a matter of words, but of culture.

The shift to identity-first language is not just about changing the words themselves, but also about the conceptual shift they represent. It requires us to rethink fundamental assumptions about what is "normal" and what is "different," and to ask how we can build a society that includes and values all neurological diversity. When we recognize Autism as an essential characteristic, we can focus on creating supportive environments and making the world accessible, instead of trying to change the autistic person. This includes a better understanding of sensory needs, different communication patterns, and different management approaches. This understanding is also based on the principle of Double Empathy Problem, which emphasizes that communication gaps between autistic and neurotypical people are mutual. Ultimately, correct identity-first language is a powerful tool for promoting equality, respect, and belonging for autistic people in all areas of life, and forms the basis for deeper cultural change.

Tips for Choosing Identity-First Language Respectfully

Choosing the right language is an important step in building bridges of understanding and acceptance. Here are some guiding principles that can help in using identity-first language in a respectful and considerate manner:

• Listen to personal preference: Always prioritize the language that the autistic person themselves prefers to use. If you don't know, ask directly and sensitively.
• Default to "autistic person": When speaking about the autistic community in general, or when personal preference is unknown, the overwhelming recommendation from the community is to use the term "autistic person." This approach respects identity and promotes the neurodiversity model.
• Avoid pathological terms: Avoid phrases that label Autism as a "disease," "disorder," "deficit," or any other term that implies a need for "cure" or "correction." These words can be harmful and perpetuate outdated stigmas. Instead of "disorder," use "condition," "characteristic," or "neurological profile."
• Educate and inform: Use opportunities to explain the reasoning behind using "autistic person" from a neurodiversity perspective. This explanation can help change broader societal perceptions and promote understanding of the importance of identity-first language.
• Recognize diversity: Remember that although "autistic person" is the preference of most of the community, there are still individuals who prefer the "person-first" approach. Respect every preference, but promote the discourse that leads to neurodiversity.

Ultimately, identity-first language is more than a set of words - it is a reflection of values and perceptions. By adopting language that respects the identity of autistic people and recognizes their legitimate place in human neurological diversity, we contribute to creating a more inclusive, empathetic, and equitable world. The conscious choice of words like "autistic person" is a small but powerful step in building a society where every person, with all their differences, can feel they belong and are valued. This is an invitation for all of us to participate in a deep cultural change and work towards a future where language is a tool for unity, not separation. The evolving discourse around identity-first language is an excellent example of this.

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