Differences Between Person First and Identity First Language

Language shapes perspective* There's a subtle but powerful difference between saying "an autistic person" and "a person with autism". This distinction is often described as identity-first language versus person-first language. While both refer to the same thing, they can shape how we see someone in very different ways. Person-first language ("person with autism") aims to emphasise the individual before the diagnosis. But it can also unintentionally suggest that autism is something separate, something carried or something that could be removed. Identity-first language ("autistic person") recognises autism as an integral part of someone's identity. It's not an add-on, not an accessory, but a core aspect of how they experience, communicate and understand the world. Neurology is not an accessory. It cannot be put on or taken off. Neither approach is universally right or wrong. What matters most is listening to how autistic people choose to identify themselves. But it's important to reflect on how our language reflects our assumptions. Do we see autism as a condition to fix - or a difference to understand? Do we focus on deficits - or on people? Small shifts in language can lead to big shifts in empathy, respect and inclusion. #Autism #Neurodiversity #MentalHealth #InclusionMatters #SEND

Yesterday, I posted about my preference for using identity-first language (e.g., I am ADHD or I am Autistic) and was met with a variety of responses Some sharing their own language preferences Others outright dismissing it as “gibberish.” 👀 This sparked a lot of thought, and I realised it’s worth breaking down the difference between identity-first and person-first language and why it’s so important to respect everyone’s choice of language. Here’s the distinction: 💙Identity-first language (e.g., I am Autistic or I am ADHD) ✔️ Recognises neurodivergence as a core part of someone’s identity. ✔️It’s not something separate from who we are—it’s part of how we think, feel, and experience the world. 👉Many neurodivergent people prefer this because it feels empowering and authentic. 💙Person-first language (e.g., I have ADHD or I have autism) ✔️Emphasises the individual first and the condition second. ✔️It’s often used in medical or clinical settings. 👉It is preferred by some because it separates their identity from the diagnosis. Neither is wrong—it’s about personal preference. For me, identity-first language feels right because being neurodivergent shapes so much of who I am. But that’s my choice. Someone else may feel differently, and that’s equally valid. The important thing is that we respect how each person identifies and describes their own experience. Language is powerful, and when we honor others’ preferences, we’re creating a more inclusive and supportive space. Let’s keep this conversation going—what language feels right for you? What else would you add as to why you choose people or identity first language? 👇 #neurodivergent #adhd #language #inclusion

Please, stop. Stop with the "differently abled" and the "diversely abled" and the "instead of 'disabled person' use 'person with disability'". Promoting an exclusively person-first language use when it comes to disability is something I see ALL the time, and it never fails to make me let out a long beleaguered sigh. It makes no sense and all you're doing is broadcasting that you're not listening to people who actually know what they're talking about. In general, we cannot talk about inclusive language without building a solid understanding behind the things we're talking about. In this case, there's no blanket statement you can make about person-first or identity-first language. There are disabled people who prefer identity-first language, and there are people with disabilities who prefer person-first language. Why? Because 1) identity-first language (e.g. "disabled person") is the reflection of a social model of disability that is centred around mobilising disability rights and inclusion advocates around effecting progress, and 2) person-first language (e.g. "person with disability") reflects a medical model of disability that is better suited to separate the disability from the person. Person-first language is more pathology-centred at its core which can be useful, for instance, for individual recovery or symptom management. But it's also somewhat less suited to propel social movements around disability rights, which is why many in the community (including me) prefer identity-first language. Individual preferences need to be respected, as people might have a million different and extremely valid reasons for the language they like to use. So. When you see inclusive language advice that provides blanket terms for entire communities of people, be a bit sceptical and always dig deeper, by asking multiple people with varied life experiences from said communities. Most of the time it's not that simple, and at times, like with disability that I keep seeing again and again, it's extremely misleading. And the reason we see it happen with disability so often is because language use around disability is often policed by abled people/people without disabilities in order to make the topic less uncomfortable to them. Image description in the comments below, I tried adding it here but I exceeded the character limit. Sorry!! in it for CHANGE. #DisabilityInclusion #DisabledAndProud #Disability #DEI #InclusiveLanguage

I've been getting something wrong. Recently I've been deliberately paying more attention to how I can be an ally to neurodivergent/neurodistinct colleagues and friends, and I've learned I've likely got my language wrong in my attempt at being polite and putting person first. You see, the guidance I came across recently says this: 'Most* of the neurodivergent (ND) community, prefers Identity first language. It is part of them not something they have; it is not a disease to be cured and they do not consider their difference to be a disability. Most* of the disabled community prefers Person first language. Hence you see "people with disabilities" and "neurodivergent person". Person first language emphasizes the person before the disability, for example "person who has hearing loss" or "person with a broken leg". Identity first language puts the difference first in the description, e.g., "autistic professional" or "dyslexic student". *Important note: not everyone agrees or prefers the same language, so it is best to ask the person you are speaking with for their preference.' So there you go. One of the things about creating an inclusive environment is recognising that people will get things wrong, and whilst being wrong is not a comfortable situation for me, it's an opportunity to learn and be better. I'm sharing this in case it helps you with the language too, but mostly so you will be kind to yourself if you ever find yourself in the same situation, and so that you won't put a fear of getting it wrong before trying to get it right - as long as you recognise you might have to change!

Disabled people or people with disabilities – which is right? It’s a long-standing debate, and the truth is, there’s no single correct answer. I’ve spoken about this before, but I think it’s worth revisiting in more detail. Before I go any further, two things to make clear: this is my perspective as both a disabled person and a disability inclusion professional, and nothing I say here should ever override someone’s personal choice in how they identify. If someone you’re talking to is disabled and prefers one choice of words, that’s the phrase you should use without challenge. In the UK, many disabled people – along with disabled-led organisations – prefer ‘disabled people’ (identity-first language) rather than ‘people with disabilities’ (person-first language). Why? Because many of us align with the social model of disability, which was created by disabled people, for disabled people. The social model explains that we are disabled by society – by inaccessible environments, by the attitudes of non-disabled people, and by the ableism embedded into everyday life. It’s not our impairments that disable us; it’s the barriers we face. Our impairments are part of who we are, but they are not the primary cause of our exclusion. Because we are disabled by external barriers, we use identity-first language: disabled people. In contrast, ‘people with disabilities’ puts the focus on the individual and their impairment, as if that is the reason for their exclusion. The wording also suggests that disability is something separate from the person – as if it could be removed or left behind. Personally, I don’t find that an empowering way to look at it. Under the social model, if I can’t access a website, it’s because it wasn’t designed to be accessible. Under the medical model, it’s because my eyes don’t work. Fixing the website’s accessibility helps everyone; curing my blindness would only help me. The social model focuses on breaking down barriers for all. For me, understanding that it’s not something ‘wrong’ with me but the way the world is built was a real lightbulb moment. That’s why I – along with many others – choose identity-first language. While I respect the arguments for person-first language, it’s simply not my preference. And that’s ok. Ultimately, there will never be universal agreement on disability terminology. What matters most is that people feel comfortable with the language they use, and that organisations can clearly explain the choices they make around it. #DisabilityInclusion #Disability #DisabilityEmployment #Adjustments #DiversityAndInclusion #Content

I don’t say I “have” ADHD; I say I “am” ADHD. A lot of ADHD-ers use identity-first language. Why?  • It isn’t separate from who we are. • It’s not a passing state. • It isn’t (in itself) shameful. “An identity is not something that I have. It is who I am” - Lydia X. Z. Brown P.S. No shade if you choose person-first language (“people with ADHD”, or “I have ADHD”). Everyone’s different. If you’re talking to or about someone, always ask them! • Read the ultimate ADHD-friendly communication guide: https://lnkd.in/eURqEJUv • Join Bold Type (starts 24 Sep) to become an inclusive and accessible communicator: https://lnkd.in/en8JDsFc Image descriptions: off-white background with dark green and burnt orange text. - Slide 1 says: “I have ADHD.” “Have” is crossed out and replaced with “am”. - Slide 2 says: “Have can imply a passing state. But ADHD is like any other neurotype, and most neurodevelopmental conditions. It’s not a phase. You don’t grow out of it.” - Slide 3 says: “Have can suggest bad or shameful. This applies to so many other identities. Lydia X. Z. Brown says it wonderfully when talking about autism: ‘When we say “person with autism,” we say that it is unfortunate and an accident that a person is Autistic. We affirm that the person has value and worth, and that autism is entirely separate from what gives him or her value and worth. In fact, we are saying that autism is detrimental to value and worth as a person, which is why we separate the condition with the word “with” or “has.” Ultimately, what we are saying when we say “person with autism” is that the person would be better off if not Autistic.’” - Slide 4 says: “ADHD is part of who I am. I do plenty of things that make me feel ashamed. But being an ADHD-er is not in itself shameful.” #Neurodivergent #Neurodiversity #ADHD

Would you ever refer to Barack Obama as "our first president with Blackness"? Would you ever think of David Robinson or Manu Ginobili as outstanding basketball players "with a left-handedness disorder"? So stop referring to autistic people* like this! Most autistic people prefer "identity first language" as opposed to "person first language." This means "an autistic person" rather than "a person with autism" (or even worse, "a person with an autism spectrum disorder"). Being autistic is not a deficiency. It's not a component of a person. Most autistic people consider being autistic to be part of their identity, inseparable from who they are - just like someone's ethnicity, gender, heritage, or other innate characteristics. #neurodiversity #autisticapprecitation *Some do prefer person-first language - i.e., "person with autism". So always respect that when talking with people who do.

"Autistic Person" vs. "Person with Autism" – Let’s Discuss Language & Inclusion As an occupational therapist, I work with both neurotypical and neurodivergent students every day. While I’m not the best person to declare which term is "better"—"autistic person" or "person with autism"—I believe this conversation matters, and I want to learn from those with lived experience. Why Language Matters The words we use shape perceptions, belonging, and identity. Here’s what I’ve learned so far: 🔹 Identity-First Language (“Autistic Person”) Many self-advocates prefer this because autism is a core part of their identity, not an add-on. Movements like #ActuallyAutistic emphasize neurodiversity—autism as a natural variation, not a deficit. 🔹 Person-First Language (“Person with Autism”) Common in clinical and older advocacy models, this phrasing puts the person before the diagnosis. But some argue it unintentionally frames autism as separate or negative. So, What’s the Answer? ✅ Listen to autistic voices—many prefer “autistic person,” but individual preferences vary. ✅ Avoid assumptions—when possible, ask how someone identifies. ❌ Steer clear of terms like “has autism” or “suffers from autism,” which medicalize identity. Why This Matters in OT & Education Our role is to support individuals in ways that respect their identity. Small language shifts can make a big difference in building trust, fostering inclusion, and challenging stigma. I've made mistakes in the past, especially when it comes to language; however, I want to be better and so I'm going to try to be better. 💬 I’d love to hear from you! - Autistic individuals: What language feels right for you? - Parents, educators, clinicians: How do you navigate this? - Have you seen organizations handle this well? Let’s learn from each other—drop your thoughts in the comments! #OccupationalTherapy #Neurodiversity #AutismAcceptance #InclusivePractice #DEI #Change #Autism #SensoryIntegration #OccupationalTherapist #Parents #Educators #SpecialEducation