How Do You Use People-First Language When Speaking About Autism?
Using “people-first language” has become the professional standard when speaking about disabilities. Read on to discover how to use people-first language and the controversy that surrounds it. Learn about people-first language and the rationale behind it. The purpose behind people-first language is to recognize that people with disabilities are people first, not to be defined by their disabilities. Use people-first phrases. Instead of saying, “autistic child” or “autistic person,” use “child with autism” or “person with autism.” The goal is to refer to the person first, not their disability label. Avoid other negative phrases. Don’t refer to people “struggling” or “suffering” from disabilities. Let the words you choose be empowering and positive. Practice makes perfect! It takes time to change habits and ways of speaking. Understand that people-first language is not without controversy. Some people believe that requiring that a term such as “person” be placed before the disability sugg
