Language Matters: Research on IFL and PFL | Ethics & DEI CEU Credits: 2

The terminology used to describe individuals with disabilities, is a subject of ongoing debate. The use of person-first language (PFL), such as “person with autism,” is often considered the standard by professionals and organizations. However, some communities of individuals with disabilities, such as the deaf and blind, prefer the use of identity-first language (IFL), such as “autistic person.” According to published and unpublished research, individuals with autism also often prefer IFL. Despite this, many professionals and researchers continue to use PFL. The current study evaluated Autistics’ language preferences (IFL versus PLF), relative to diagnosis method, co-occurring disabilities, and rating on a self-report autism measure with a sample of 247 Autistics.