Ep 2. “Identity First” or “Person First” Language?

Autism Matters - The Podcast

Today let’s talk about the terminology we use to talk about Autism, what diagnosis is like, and how to shed the masks we put on to be in society. Thanks for joining us.

Am I Autistic or am I a person with Autism?

I prefer to think of Autism as part of my identity so I tend to using “identity first” language. I say that I am autistic.

The alternative would be to say that I am a person with autism and this “person first” language just doesn’t resonate with me as much. So, moving forward I’ll be using “identify first” language, and I just wanted to explain why.

Our language around autism matters very much. I suffered greatly, as did my two boys, in the medical model dealing with diagnosis. We were always hearing about what was wrong with us. We heard terms like: triad of impairments, difficulties with socialization and odd behaviors.

The way I think differently is the reason for who I am, the reason for my successes, how my senses interact, and how I experience the world. I’ve had to unlearn the medical model language that I was taught to make room for a positive outlook.

There is absolute beauty in watching my sons delight in certain noises and experiences.

We put on masks to be in society, adopting certain clothes and behaviors to fit in, but I want to create more ways and spaces to be myself.

Video Recommendation:

Chris Packham Exploring the Inside World of Autism:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p0bbnjvx

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