Should we get offended by person-first language?
Written on 18th May 2020 by Alex Lowery
There is some debate as to whether you should refer to people on the spectrum as ‘autistic people’ or ‘people with autism’. I’m honestly fine with either term but most autistic people I’ve known say they prefer the term ‘autistic’ because ‘with autism’ makes it sound like something that’s separate from them that needs to be cured.
However, many neurotypicals say the term ‘autistic’ is offensive because it’s making out as autism defines them. I personally don’t see an issue with either term, but I do think it’s a misconception to believe that ‘person with autism’ is a better term because those with the condition usually tend to disagree and I can see where many of them are coming from. Talking about autism like it’s something they “have” can sound like you’re viewing it more negatively instead or accepting and embracing it as a part of who a person is.
You can view a video by Arman Khodaei on the subject below. I would say I agree with everthing he said.
However, I think that most importantly, it’s a good idea to respect whatever terminology a person on the spectrum wishes to use. Many people like myself also don’t mind which term is used.
I even feel that if you are on the autistic spectrum and you meet someone else who prefers to describe themselves as ‘having autism’ this should equally be respected as well. It’s not really up to anyone what they choose to call themselves.
I also feel like we do sometimes get too taken up with labels and I don’t really feel there is a need to get offended just because of a term another person uses (within reason this is). If the term isn’t meant to be taken offensively, there shouldn’t always be a need to take it offensively.
You can see a quote from Chris Bonnello below that hits the nail right on the head.
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