People First Language is great, but did they slip up with folks on the spectrum?

Yes, I am on the spectrum. I was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome at age forty-six and thus think very logically.

These next couple paragraphs are going to be some facts just to establish what we’re talking about, so if you’re not on the spectrum, A.K.A. Neurotypical (NT), bear with me a moment, it gets better.

I do autism advocacy work and until a week ago had never heard of People First. I had no idea who they were, what they did, or why they did it. I’ve done a little research, and what I do know is positive. They are all about self-advocacy for the disabled and really seem to want to connect people.

But there’s something known as People First Language and I want to be clear that in all my research People First the organization and the state chapters have nothing to do with People First Language.

This surprised me.

Autism is a developmental disorder and not a disease, illness or sickness. This will be a key point to remember…

I was at this event recently for those with developmental disabilities, some of whom had caregivers and there were also parents of children with developmental disabilities in the group. During the presentation we were viewing, the presenter mentioned People First Language and the example on her slide was autism.

CORRECT:

I have autism.

 

INCORRECT:

I’m autistic.

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