Does Language Matter? Identity-First Versus Person-First Language Use in Autism Research: A Response to Vivanti

• Published in: Journal of autism and developmental disorders Vol. 53; no. 2; pp. 870 - 878
• Main Authors: Botha, Monique, Hanlon, Jacqueline, Williams, Gemma Louise
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York Springer US 01.02.2023; Springer; Springer Nature B.V
• Subjects: Aggression; Autism; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autism Spectrum Disorders; Autistic Disorder; Autonomy; Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Commentary; Dehumanization; Developmental disabilities; Developmental disorders; Disability; Human rights; Humanization; Humans; Identity; Language; Language Usage; Neurodevelopmental disorders; Neurosciences; Nouns; Pediatrics; People with disabilities; Periodicals; Personal Autonomy; Posttraumatic Stress Disorder; Psychology; Public Health; Self determination; Stigma; Violence; Person-first language; Identity-first language; Autism; Rights-based approach; Stigma
• ISSN: 0162-3257; 1573-3432; 1573-3432
• DOI: 10.1007/s10803-020-04858-w

In response to Vivanti’s ‘Ask The Editor…’ paper [ Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50 (2), 691–693], we argue that the use of language in autism research has material consequences for autistic people including stigmatisation, dehumanisation, and violence. Further, that the debate in the use of person-first language versus identity-first language should centre first and foremost on the needs, autonomy, and rights of autistic people, so in to preserve their rights to self-determination. Lastly, we provide directions for future research.