Person first language

The way we speak about disability has evolved significantly over the past few decades. Words once commonly used in medical and legal systems, such as “mentally retarded” or “crippled,” are now being phased out because they carry painful, colonial, and regressive histories. In their place, inclusive and respectful language is being encouraged across health, educational, and legal spaces.

One important shift in this direction is the use of person-first language. This approach emphasizes the person before their diagnosis or condition. 

For example, instead of saying “an autistic person,” person-first language would say “a person with autism.” The goal is to remind us that people are not defined only by their disability. They are whole individuals with identities, interests, talents, and dreams that go far beyond their medical labels.

Why Person-First language matters

Language has power. The words we choose can either affirm dignity or unintentionally reinforce stigma. For too long, disability has been framed as something that diminishes a person’s worth, using terms like “suffering from” or “afflicted with.” This framing suggests that disability is only a burden or tragedy, which is neither fair nor accurate.

Person-first language invites us to shift perspective. It emphasizes that disability is only one aspect of a person’s life. Just as we would say “a person with diabetes” or “a person with asthma,” we can extend the same respect when we speak about intellectual or developmental disabilities.

Two simple principles to remember:

1. Describe what a person has, not what a person is.
   For example, say “a child with Down syndrome” rather than “a Down syndrome child.”

2. Avoid outdated or offensive terms.
   Replace words like “retarded,” “insane,” or “crippled” with more respectful alternatives such as “person with an intellectual disability,” “person with a mental health condition,” or “person with a disability.”
   

The nuance: Person-First vs. Identity-First language

While person-first language is widely promoted, it is important to recognize that not everyone identifies with it. In some communities, particularly within the Autistic community, many people prefer identity-first language. For example, they may describe themselves as “autistic” rather than “a person with autism.”

Why? Because for many autistic individuals, autism is not something separate from who they are. It is a fundamental part of their identity and the way they experience the world. For them, saying “autistic person” is a way of embracing neurodiversity and rejecting the idea that autism is simply a condition to be distanced from.

This highlights a crucial point: there is no one-size-fits-all rule. What matters most is listening to and respecting how individuals and communities choose to describe themselves. Using sensitive language is not about rigid correctness, but about honoring the preferences and dignity of the people we are speaking with or about.

Helpful phrases to use

If you are unsure and want to begin with person-first language, here are some phrases to practice:

• People with disabilities
• Children with disabilities
• A person with a learning disability
• A person with autism (unless they prefer “autistic”)
• A person with a mental health condition
  

At the same time, stay open to learning. If someone shares that they prefer identity-first language, such as “I am autistic,” respect and use their choice.

Moving toward inclusion through language

Inclusive language is not about being “politically correct.” It is about building a culture of respect, dignity, and belonging. The way we speak shapes the way we think, and the way we think shapes how we act. By making small changes in our vocabulary, we signal that people with disabilities are valued, respected, and included members of our communities.

This sensitivity becomes even more important as we collectively work toward improving accessibility, equity, and representation. When we speak with respect, we lay the groundwork for deeper societal change.

If you have questions about autism, Down syndrome, ADHD, or other intellectual and developmental disabilities, or if you have concerns about developmental delays in a child, the Nayi Disha team is here to help.

For any questions or queries, please contact our FREE Helpline at 844-844-8996. You can call or WhatsApp us. Our counselors speak multiple languages including English, Hindi, Malayalam, Gujarati, Marathi, Telugu, and Bengali.

DISCLAIMER: Please note that this article is for information purposes only.