Preferences for identity-first versus person-first language in a US sample of autism stakeholders

Although person-first language is commonly used in many professional settings, this practice has received criticism from self-advocates and scholars who believe that identity-defining features, such as autism, cannot be separated from the individual. Arguments have been made that person-first language may perpetuate stigma by drawing attention to a disability through unconventional language. Increasingly, disability advocates have expressed preferences for identity-first language. We surveyed US autism stakeholders ( n = 728) about their usage of and preferences for person-first language and identity-first language. Preference and use of terms varied across stakeholder groups (adults with autism, parents of…