Identity-First Language

Language that places the disability or condition before the person (e.g., "autistic person," "deaf person," "disabled person"), in contrast to person-first language ("person with autism," "person with a disability"). Many autistic self-advocates prefer identity-first language because it treats autism as an integral part of their identity rather than an appendage or afterthought. The preference for identity-first language reflects the neurodiversity perspective that autism is a natural aspect of who someone is, not a separate condition they carry. Language preferences vary within disability communities, and respecting individual and community preferences is important.