Use of Person and Identity-First Language by Autism Researchers

• In Event: Saturday Roundtable Session 9:45 am
  In Roundtable Session: Exploring Disability Representation Through an Intersectional Lens (Table 19)

Abstract

Person-first and identity-first language is one facet of language considerations in autism research. Both phrasings have complex connections to disability advocacy movements, traditional societal power structures, and disability theory. In the autistic community, the preference for identity-first language by many advocates has seen significant resistance from autism researchers. This study surveyed (n = 215) and interviewed (n = 21) autism researchers to gain insight into language use and the thinking behind it fully mixed sequential equal status design within a participatory research framework. The survey results indicated a prevalence of person-first language by autism researchers. Autistic researchers highlighted Repecting Multiple Perspectives, Acclimating to Language in Autism Research, and Shifting Professional Norms as salient to their thinking regarding their language decisions.

Authors

• Sarah L. Curtiss, University of Delaware

• Sarah Tillman, University of Delaware

• finnigan madison, Johns Hopkins University

• Majd Subih, University of Delaware