The language we use to describe autism and autistic individuals has become one of the most significant debates in the autism community. Whether to say “person with autism” or “autistic person” may seem like a minor semantic difference, but research shows these linguistic choices carry profound implications for identity, advocacy, and social perception. As autism prevalence continues to rise—with about 1 in 31 (3.2%) children aged 8 years now identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD)—understanding these language preferences becomes increasingly critical for professionals, families, and society at large.
Understanding the Language Divide
What is Person-First Language?
Person-first language (PFL) places the individual before their condition or disability. In autism contexts, this means using phrases like:
- “Person with autism”
- “Individual with ASD”
- “Children who have autism spectrum disorder”
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.
What is Identity-First Language?
Identity-first language (IFL) places the identifier before the person, treating the condition as an integral part of identity. Examples include:
- “Autistic person”
- “Autistic individual”
- “Autistic children”
In the autism community, many self-advocates and their allies prefer terminology such as “Autistic,” “Autistic person,” or “Autistic individual” because we understand autism as an inherent part of an individual’s identity — the same way one refers to “Muslims,” “African-Americans,” “Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/Queer,” “Chinese,” “gifted,” “athletic,” or “Jewish.”
The Historical Context and Evolution
Origins of Person-First Language
The first major self-advocacy disability rights movement, called People First, was formed in the United States in the 1970s. It gave people with disabilities spaces where they could speak for themselves, share ideas, and advocate for their rights. The People First movement focused on people’s individuality, personhood, and unique needs and experiences.
The author details how PFL (which emerged in the 1970s) was used to put the person before the disability—to emphasise “the person’s unique combinations of strengths, needs, and experiences (both related and unrelated to their disability)… by literally placing the person before the disability”
Rise of the Neurodiversity Movement
The last two decades have brought about huge socio-political shifts within the world of autism theory, research and practice. In the mid-1990s, the emergence of the internet provided a more accessible text-based means of communication and empowered a growing number of autistic people to connect and share ideas with one another. Out of the early autistic social groups of the 1990s emerged autistic culture, the autistic self-advocacy movement, and the assertion that autism is a valid way of being. This environment also gave rise to the neurodiversity movement. Through the 2000s, the neurodiversity movement has been galvanized in a large part due to the voices, advocacy and protest of the autistic community, facilitated through developments in online communication and networks and is increasingly influencing academic, clinical and lay understanding of autism and other forms of neurological difference.
Research Findings: Who Prefers What?
The Clear Preference Divide
Recent research reveals a striking pattern in language preferences across different autism stakeholder groups. 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.
A comprehensive 2023 study by Taboas and colleagues found even more definitive results: Autistic adults preferred to self-identify using identity-first language (87%); however, a sizable minority of adults with autism prefer to self-identify with person-first language (13%). Meanwhile, professionals were more likely to use, like, and choose person-first language terms, which is consistent with current guidelines for usage in professional settings and prescribed by style guides for written communication.
Academic and Research Trends
The academic world has been slower to adapt to community preferences. A systematic analysis of 12,962 journal abstracts from 11 autism research journals found a preference for PFL (64.68%) over IFL (15.83%) when considering aggregated, within-journal breakdowns (with abstracts using both representing 19.50%).
However, when examining language use longitudinally, researchers observed a general trend toward increasing use of IFL after years of stable trends showing predominant use of PFL. This suggests the academic community is gradually responding to autistic community preferences.
Cultural and Geographic Variations
Interestingly, language preferences aren’t universal across cultures. Research in the Netherlands revealed different patterns: A majority of self-reporting adults with autism (68.3%) and parents (82.5%) demonstrated a person-first language preference. Because researchers found different results in Dutch participants compared to participants in English-speaking countries, they concluded that the Dutch language or culture may also play a role in word preference.
The Professional-Community Disconnect
Why Professionals Prefer Person-First Language
The preference for person-first language among professionals stems from several factors:
- Professional Guidelines: In 2010, the American Psychological Association (APA) recommended the use of PFL, because IFL supposedly ‘objectifies a person by her or his condition.’ Yet, in 2020, this recommendation was changed, and the APA advised to use what is appropriate given the context, such as the preference of participants themselves.
- Training and Tradition: Many healthcare, education, and research professionals were trained using person-first language as the “respectful” standard.
- Medical Model Influence: Person-first language aligns with medical model approaches that view autism as a condition to be treated rather than an identity to be affirmed.
Why Autistic Adults Prefer Identity-First Language
The autistic community’s preference for identity-first language reflects deeper philosophical and practical considerations:
Yet, when we say “Autistic person,” we recognize, affirm, and validate an individual’s identity as an Autistic person. We recognize the value and worth of that individual as an Autistic person — that being Autistic is not a condition absolutely irreconcilable with regarding people as inherently valuable and worth something.
When we say “person with autism,” we say that it is unfortunate and an accident that a person is Autistic. Ultimately, what we are saying when we say “person with autism” is that the person would be better off if not Autistic, and that it would have been better if he or she had been born typical.
The Neurodiversity Perspective
Autism as Natural Human Variation
A central premise of the neurodiversity movement is that variations in neurological development and functioning across humans are a natural and valuable part of human variation and therefore not necessarily pathological. This perspective fundamentally challenges the deficit-focused medical model that has traditionally dominated autism research and intervention.
Self-Advocacy and Empowerment
The Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN) is run by and for autistic people. We believe that autistic people, and people with other intellectual and developmental disabilities, can and must be in charge of all decisions about us. We can take charge of our own lives, shape policy discussions, and run our own organizations.
ASAN believes that brain-based disabilities like autism, intellectual disability, and dyslexia are a normal part of the differences between people. Autism should be accepted and supported, not taken away from us.
Impact on Research and Clinical Practice
Material Consequences of Language Choices
Language preferences aren’t merely academic debates—they have real-world implications. Research shows that the use of language in autism research has material consequences for autistic people including stigmatisation, dehumanisation, and violence.
As the language we use shapes our conscious and unconscious perceptions and beliefs of individuals with autism, it is critical to identify the terminology that is preferred by individuals within the community.
Shifting Research Priorities
The autistic self-advocacy movement has led to research into community preferences over the language used to describe autism and autistic people, calls from the autistic community for a greater emphasis on improving mental health and quality of life in autistic individuals, and an increase in research into effective, person-centered mental health interventions.
Best Practices for Writers and Professionals
Flexible and Responsive Approaches
Given the complexity and diversity of preferences, experts recommend several strategies:
- Ask Individual Preferences: Considering the large differences in terminology preferences both within and between groups, professionals advise checking a person’s own preference in a one-on-one interaction.
- Use Mixed Approaches: Experts suggest defaulting to person-first language when writing about children and using a mix of person-first and identity-first language when writing about adults or autistic individuals generally.
- Be Informed by Community Voices: One of the most effective ways of ensuring respectful language choices is to listen to the self-advocacy groups in these communities; this will ensure that our language choices are respectful, inclusive, and supportive.
SEO and Content Strategy Implications
For content creators and digital marketers writing about autism:
- Use both “autistic person” and “person with autism” strategically throughout content
- Include related keywords like “autism spectrum disorder,” “neurodiversity,” and “autism advocacy”
- Reference current research and statistics to maintain authority
- Consider your audience—professional vs. community-focused content may require different approaches
The Broader Context: Current Autism Statistics
Understanding language preferences becomes more critical as autism prevalence continues to increase. Current data shows that one in 36 (2.8%) 8-year-old children have been identified with autism spectrum disorder, higher than the previous 2018 estimate that found a prevalence of 1 in 44 (2.3%).
Recent 2025 data suggests even higher rates: One in 31 children in the U.S. is diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder by their 8th birthday. With millions of individuals and families affected by autism, respectful and appropriate language use becomes a significant social justice issue.
Demographic Shifts
The autism community is also becoming more diverse. For the first time, the percentage of 8-year-old Asian or Pacific Islander (3.3%) Hispanic (3.2%) and Black (2.9%), children identified with autism was higher than among 8-year-old White children (2.4%). This increasing diversity means language preferences may continue to evolve across different cultural and ethnic communities.
Moving Forward: Recommendations for Practice
For Healthcare Professionals
- Update Training Programs: Medical and therapeutic training programs should include information about language preferences and the neurodiversity movement
- Ask Patients and Families: Don’t assume—ask individuals and families about their language preferences
- Stay Current: Language preferences evolve; stay informed about community perspectives
For Educators and Researchers
- Follow Community Leadership: The choice for PFL or IFL should first be guided by what the majority of autistic individuals, their families and professionals prefer.
- Use Inclusive Approaches: Consider using both forms of language to acknowledge diverse preferences
- Engage Autistic Voices: Include autistic researchers and advocates in study design and dissemination
For Content Creators and Journalists
- Research Your Audience: Understand whether you’re writing primarily for professional or community audiences
- Be Transparent: Explain your language choices when appropriate
- Update Regularly: Language preferences continue to evolve; update style guides accordingly
The Future of Autism Language
Emerging Trends
Language is dynamic and research findings support the need for open communication among autism professionals about how we communicate with and about autistic individuals and their families. Several trends suggest continued evolution:
- Increasing Self-Advocacy: More autistic individuals are speaking for themselves in research, policy, and media
- Professional Adaptation: Growing recognition among professionals of community preferences
- Cultural Variations: Greater awareness that language preferences may vary across cultures and communities
Technology and Communication
For many autistic people, the internet offers a better way to communicate than face-to-face meetings. Communication doesn’t need to happen right away; you can take as long as you need to think about a message and the best way to reply. Body language, facial expressions, and other barriers are eliminated, and sensory overload is more easily managed. Digital platforms continue to amplify autistic voices and shape language preferences.
Conclusion
The debate between person-first and identity-first language in autism reflects larger questions about identity, disability rights, and social justice. While 87% of autistic adults prefer identity-first language, significant minorities prefer person-first language, and preferences vary across cultures and contexts.
The key insight is that language matters—it shapes perceptions, influences policy, and affects the daily lives of autistic individuals and their families. Rather than adhering rigidly to one approach, the most respectful path forward involves:
- Listening to autistic voices and self-advocates
- Recognizing the diversity of preferences within the community
- Asking individuals about their preferences when possible
- Staying informed about evolving community perspectives
- Using flexible, inclusive approaches that acknowledge different viewpoints
As autism prevalence continues to rise and the autistic community grows more diverse and vocal, these conversations about language will undoubtedly continue to evolve. The ultimate goal remains the same: ensuring that language choices support dignity, respect, and inclusion for all members of the autism community.
By understanding and thoughtfully navigating these language preferences, we can create more inclusive environments in healthcare, education, research, and society more broadly—benefiting the growing population of autistic individuals and their families worldwide.
References
- Taboas, A., Doepke, K., & Zimmerman, C. (2023). Preferences for identity-first versus person-first language in a US sample of autism stakeholders. Autism, 27(2), 788-795. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/13623613221130845
- Zajic, M. C., & Gudknecht, J. (2024). Person- and identity-first language in autism research: A systematic analysis of abstracts from 11 autism journals. Autism, 28(10), 2445-2461. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/13623613241241202
- Buijsman, R., Begeer, S., & Scheeren, A. M. (2023). ‘Autistic person’ or ‘person with autism’? Person-first language preference in Dutch adults with autism and parents. Autism, 27(3), 788-795. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/13623613221117914
- Autistic Self Advocacy Network. (n.d.). Identity-First Language. https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/identity-first-language/
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Data and Statistics on Autism Spectrum Disorder. https://www.cdc.gov/autism/data-research/index.html
