Why I'm Not a Person With Autism
Person-first language is a pretty hot-button topic at the moment within the ASD community with varying opinions on either side of the argument. For those of you who don't know, person first language is the belief that we should say things like "person with Autism" as opposed to "autistic person". It stems from the idea that a person is more than just their diagnosis and should be treated as such. Interestingly, it is mostly parents and professionals that prefer this terminology, with people who actually have ASD often preferring not to use person first language.
You might be thinking "They're basically the same, why does it even matter?", but what it really comes down to is the connotations. Some people dislike "autistic person" because it implies that they are defined by their disability, whilst others dislike "person with Autism" because it implies that they can separate themselves from their disability.
Here's the thing, this is a very complex and nuanced issue, and I have done my best to show both sides of the argument in a clear and concise way above, but I cannot write this post without sharing my opinions on the matter. Therefore, from here on in, everything is my opinion and should be taken with a pinch of salt. It is important for me to stress that I do not represent the entirety of the ASD community and that even if some people fall on the same side of this argument as me, they may not agree with all of my arguments.
Here we go. I disagree with person first language. But not entirely. I agree with occasionally using person-first language when it makes sense in context, for example, I say that I am a person with Aspergers, not an Asperger's person, because that just sounds weird. However, I disagree with insisting on only using person-first language because I think it's pandering and a little offensive.
When people insist on calling me a person with Autism instead of an autistic person, I feel like they're trying to separate me from my disability; as though I'm great and my Autism is what's holding me back. But my Autism is what makes me who I am and if forms a huge part of my identity. Though I struggle a lot on a daily basis, there are so many awesome things about me that wouldn't exist if it weren't for my Autism, so I honestly don't think I would be me without it. My Aspergers isn't going to go away, so I might as well embrace it. I'm an autistic person in the same way htat I am a fabulous, hilarious, honest, and most importantly, humble person! (a little bit of sarcasm there because I'm not in the least bit humble)
Ultimately, I think it's fine to do whatever, but I also think that if you're going to insist on only using person first language, check with the autistic person first to see how they feel.
Further Reading:
The Significance of Semantics: Person-First Language: Why it Matters
The opinions of a person with Autism
Opinions from the National Autistic Society
You might be thinking "They're basically the same, why does it even matter?", but what it really comes down to is the connotations. Some people dislike "autistic person" because it implies that they are defined by their disability, whilst others dislike "person with Autism" because it implies that they can separate themselves from their disability.
Here's the thing, this is a very complex and nuanced issue, and I have done my best to show both sides of the argument in a clear and concise way above, but I cannot write this post without sharing my opinions on the matter. Therefore, from here on in, everything is my opinion and should be taken with a pinch of salt. It is important for me to stress that I do not represent the entirety of the ASD community and that even if some people fall on the same side of this argument as me, they may not agree with all of my arguments.
Here we go. I disagree with person first language. But not entirely. I agree with occasionally using person-first language when it makes sense in context, for example, I say that I am a person with Aspergers, not an Asperger's person, because that just sounds weird. However, I disagree with insisting on only using person-first language because I think it's pandering and a little offensive.
When people insist on calling me a person with Autism instead of an autistic person, I feel like they're trying to separate me from my disability; as though I'm great and my Autism is what's holding me back. But my Autism is what makes me who I am and if forms a huge part of my identity. Though I struggle a lot on a daily basis, there are so many awesome things about me that wouldn't exist if it weren't for my Autism, so I honestly don't think I would be me without it. My Aspergers isn't going to go away, so I might as well embrace it. I'm an autistic person in the same way htat I am a fabulous, hilarious, honest, and most importantly, humble person! (a little bit of sarcasm there because I'm not in the least bit humble)
Ultimately, I think it's fine to do whatever, but I also think that if you're going to insist on only using person first language, check with the autistic person first to see how they feel.
Further Reading:
The Significance of Semantics: Person-First Language: Why it Matters
The opinions of a person with Autism
Opinions from the National Autistic Society
Comments
Post a Comment