Preferences for identity-first versus person-first language in a US sample of autism stakeholders.
Autistic adults prefer identity-first language—ask each client which words feel right.
01Research in Context
What this study did
Taboas et al. (2023) sent an online survey to autistic adults, parents, and professionals.
They asked which wording feels respectful: identity-first ("autistic person") or person-first ("person with autism").
What they found
Most autistic adults picked identity-first language.
Most professionals still liked person-first words.
The two groups talk past each other every day.
How this fits with other research
Vassos et al. (2023) extends this finding. Their position paper tells researchers to drop deficit words like "co-morbid" and use "co-occurring" instead.
Togher et al. (2023) asked when autistic adults reveal their diagnosis. Strong autistic identity raised disclosure in class, work, and family.
Bransgrove et al. (2025) interviewed late-diagnosed adults. Identity-first talk helped them feel "autistic" is who they are, not a tag to hide.
Why it matters
Your intake form probably says "person with autism." If the client calls themself "autistic," match their words. A fifteen-second check builds rapport and shows you listened before therapy even starts.
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02At a glance
03Original abstract
There is currently disagreement among professionals (such as teachers, therapists, researchers, and clinicians) about the most appropriate and respectful way to refer to individuals with disabilities in general, and those with autism, in particular. Supporters of person-first language feel that it is important to emphasize the person rather than the disorder or disability, and promote the use of terms such as, "person with autism" or "a person with ASD." The goal is to reduce stereotypes and discrimination and emphasize the person's individuality rather than their disability. However, some people within the autism community have questioned the use of person-first terms because they are awkward and use an unconventional style of language that draws attention to the disability. Moreover, autistic individuals and their families are beginning to support the use of identity-first language that embraces all aspects of one's identity. Surveys in the United Kingdom and Australia support the idea that both types of language are preferred by different groups of autism stakeholder groups. In our study, we surveyed autism stakeholders in the United States. Overwhelmingly, autistic adults (n = 299) preferred identity-first language terms to refer to themselves or others with autism. Professionals who work in the autism community (n = 207) were more likely to support and use person-first language. Language is dynamic and our findings support the need for open communication among autism professionals about how we communicate with and about autistic individuals and their families.
Autism : the international journal of research and practice, 2023 · doi:10.1177/13623613221130845