Does Language Matter? Identity-First Versus Person-First Language Use in Autism Research: A Response to Vivanti

Botha, Monique; Hanlon, Jacqueline; Williams, Gemma Louise

Abstract

In response to Vivanti’s ‘Ask The Editor…’ paper [Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 50(2), 691–693], we argue that the use of language in autism research has material consequences for autistic people including stigmatisation, dehumanisation, and violence. Further, that the debate in the use of person-first language versus identity-first language should centre first and foremost on the needs, autonomy, and rights of autistic people, so in to preserve their rights to self-determination. Lastly, we provide directions for future research.

Citation

Botha, M., Hanlon, J., & Williams, G. L. (2023). Does Language Matter? Identity-First Versus Person-First Language Use in Autism Research: A Response to Vivanti. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53, 870-878. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04858-w

• Journal Article Type: Other
• Acceptance Date: Dec 22, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Jan 20, 2021
• Publication Date: 2023-02
• Deposit Date: Feb 14, 2025
• Journal: Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders
• Print ISSN: 0162-3257
• Electronic ISSN: 1573-3432
• Publisher: Springer
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 53
• Pages: 870-878
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04858-w
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/3200108