Am I a person with autism or an autistic person?
There has long been a debate in the autism community about the language to use. Person first language (i.e., a person with autism) puts the emphasis on the person whereas identity first language puts autism front and center (i.e., an autistic person). It’s a nuanced difference but elicits strong emotions in the community.
Several years ago we decided to simply ask TATTS participants what they would prefer. Curiously, the overwhelming majority stated that they preferred identity first language. One participant clearly stated it saying “it’s just what I am”. To honor them we’ve chosen to use identity first language on the web site.
A local writer and autism activist – Judy Endow – wrote a great piece (here) on the subject that takes the issue even farther. She says that a person first attitude is what truly matters and then use whatever language is most preferred by that individual. We believe that sums up the mindset behind TATTS.