Using Respectful Terminology

It is important to always check with an autistic individual to find out if they prefer person-first or identity-first language. While many of us were taught to always use person-first language (i.e. “person with autism”), many autistic people actually prefer identity first language, calling themselves autistic, as they feel their disability is a part of their identity. Additionally, many disabled adults find terms like “special needs,” “differently abled” or other euphemisms to erase their identity as a disabled person. By avoiding the word disability, it perpetuates the belief that being disabled is negative.