What is Identity-First Language, and Why Use It?

Most of us were taught that it is best to use “person-first language” when referring to disabilities. Person-first language intentionally separates a person from the disability, as in saying “person with diabetes” rather than “diabetic person.” This intends to emphasize the individual over their disability, showing that the disability does not define the person. However, not everyone views their disability as something that can, or should, be separated from them. 

This is why identity-first language—as in saying “autistic person” rather than “person with autism”—is important to the autistic community. Many autistic people prefer identity-first language because it acknowledges that being autistic is a core part of who they are. 

Autistic self-advocates have expressed an overwhelming preference for identity-first language because it acknowledges autism as an integral part of their identity. Since autism itself is a type of neurobiology (i.e., neurotype), it touches all facets of existence and can’t be separated from who someone is. 

Identity-first language challenges the common idea that autism is inherently negative and something a person needs to be separated from. Rather, using identity-first language promotes the view that the autistic experience is as valid and valuable as the allistic (non-autistic) experience. 

Respecting individual preferences

While this article encourages identity-first language because it is widely preferred within the autistic community, it is important to acknowledge that not every autistic individual will feel the same. Some individuals may prefer person-first language, and that choice should be respected. 

Language around identity is a deeply personal matter. Ultimately, it should be guided by the person’s individual preference, so it’s important to ask someone what language they prefer and honor that choice. 

It is useful to first understand how society views disability to acknowledge the importance of using identity-first language. There are two primary models of disability: the medical model and the social model of disability.

• The medical model of disability is likely most familiar. It views a disability as a defect that is inherent to the individual.

The social model of disability acknowledges a person’s context, pointing out that individuals are disabled by society when their needs are not accommodated. For example, a person may be disabled in one environment but not another, depending on how well each environment meets their needs. This experience is consistent with the social model of disability.

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Our language reflects our values, and using person-first language can unintentionally contribute to harmful stereotypes. The language we use affects mental health, self-perception, social inclusion, and even legal policies around disability. Using language that frames autistic needs as defects makes it seem natural for autistic people to be disregarded. 

On the other hand, using identity-first language validates autistic experiences of the world equally to allistic experiences. In doing so, it similarly values autistic needs, encouraging society to accommodate autistic people so the environment can be less disabling.

Challenging ableism in language

Ableism is a term that refers to the explicit or implicit belief that disabled people are inferior to non-disabled people. This idea is commonly expressed around autism when autistic ways of communicating and socializing are viewed as inferior to allistic ways simply because they are different. 

Ableism is reinforced through language such as “suffering from” or “burdened by” autism because they frame autism, an otherwise value-neutral difference in neurobiology, as something wrong that should be fixed. However, many now embrace autism and other forms of neurodivergence as a natural form of diversity in the human experience. This concept is referred to as neurodiversity. 

Contributing to the neurodiversity movement

Using identity-first language can also contribute to the wider neurodiversity movement. It further supports the fact that there was no “normal” version of an autistic person that was taken by autism—they were born autistic, are autistic, and always will be autistic. Autistic traits such as attention to detail, a strong sense of justice, and preference for direct communication are strengths in inclusive environments. Recognizing these as an autistic person’s identity rather than pathologizing them fosters acceptance and reduces stigma.

Inclusive strategies in the workplace

An inclusive workplace is integral to fostering respect and value for neurodivergent individuals, including autistic employees. Organizations can use neurodiversity-affirming language, promote acceptance, and support the well-being of all team members. The social model of disability highlights the need for designing accessible environments that accommodate diverse needs. Examples include offering clear written instructions, flexible work arrangements like remote work or adjustable schedules, and ensuring sensory accommodations like quiet spaces or noise-canceling headphones. Encouraging employees to embrace their authentic selves can support autistic employees and foster a culture of respect and understanding.

A positive autistic identity is protective

One way an autistic person can embrace their authentic self is to develop a positive autistic identity. Viewing one’s autism diagnosis in a positive light by adopting a positive autistic identity has been shown to act as a protective factor against negative mental health outcomes. Trying to appear less autistic through camouflaging (i.e., masking, compensation, and assimilation) has been associated with such negative outcomes as burnout, thwarted belonging, and suicidality. When autistic people are able to embrace who they are, rather than feel like they should conform to allistic standards, they are more likely to experience better mental health and overall well-being. This is why using identity-first language can be so impactful: rather than positioning autism—which touches all facets of existence—as a problem to be fixed, it affirms the person’s whole identity.

While person-first language intentionally separates the individual from the disability, identity-first language affirms the whole person. For many autistic people, autism is an integral part of who they are; it shapes how they experience and interact with the world. By using identity-first language, we can promote respecting this reality and work toward a more inclusive, neurodiversity-affirming society. 

Are you an autistic person who would like to develop a more positive autistic identity? If so, Prosper Health has neurodiversity-affirming therapists who can help you explore what being autistic means to you. Living in a world not designed for you can be difficult—but Prosper Health can help you identify, understand, and value your needs so you can thrive.