The theory behind person-first language is that it puts the person before the disability or the condition, and emphasizes the value and worth of the individual by recognizing them as a person instead of a …

Apr 13, 2023 · Learn what you need to know about the differences between identity-first language and people-first language.

Sep 5, 2024 · When talking about people with disabilities or conditions, choosing between person-first language and identity-first language is important. In this article, discover how to use these language …

Aug 29, 2025 · Even though most people are shifting toward identity-first language, some people with disabilities still prefer person-first language. For them, it offers a sense of separation from social …

Jul 12, 2024 · Identity-first language puts the identifying characteristic before the person. For example, instead of saying “A person with autism,” you’d say, “An autistic person.” This way of speaking …

Dec 17, 2021 · What is identity-first language? The term identity-first language refers to wording about a person that leads with a description of them in the context of a disability, medical conditions …

For this reason, IASC’s default way of referring to nonspeaking, minimally speaking, unreliably speaking, autistic, and neurodivergent people is with identity-first language.

Aug 9, 2025 · Person-First or Identity-First Language? When referring to someone’s identity, terminology generally falls into two categories: person-first language and identity-first language.

Identity-first language is language that places a person’s disability before the person, as part of their identity. Some people consider their disability to be a fundamental part of their identity, and therefore …

Identity-first language focuses on the disability, chronic condition or other identity facet, allowing the individual to claim and choose their own identity rather than permitting others to define it for them.