Rethinking Labels in a Neurodiversity-Affirming World
Kasey Ferra, MS, CCC-SLP
Autistic student? Student with autism? Which is the right one to say?! The debate between identity-first and person-first language reflects deeper questions about respect, empowerment, and how individuals define themselves within the disability community.
Language shapes how we see the world and each other. When it comes to disability and neurodiversity, the words we use carry real weight. For decades, person-first language (“person with autism”) was championed as a way to emphasize the individual over a diagnosis. The goal was to humanize, to say, “you are more than your disability.”
However, as neurodivergent people began sharing their own perspectives, a shift emerged. Many now advocate for identity-first language (“autistic person”), seeing their neurodivergence not as a separate burden, but as an integral part of who they are.
This evolution reflects a broader movement toward neurodiversity-affirming practices and approaches that reject the idea of needing to “fix” neurodivergent minds and instead celebrate cognitive differences.
Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all. Some individuals still prefer person-first language, especially in certain disability communities. The best policy? Ask and listen! Language should always be rooted in the voices of those it describes.
As society grows more inclusive, our words should too – not just to be correct, but to be kind, thoughtful, and empowering.
Takeaways for Parents: What You Can Do at Home
- Listen to How Your Child Identifies
Ask your child (if they’re able to communicate their preferences) whether they prefer identity-first language (e.g., “autistic person”) or person-first language (e.g., “person with autism”). Language is personal and empowering when it reflects how someone sees themselves. - Model Respectful Language
Use the language your child prefers when talking with family, friends, teachers, and therapists.
- Normalize Differences in Everyday Life
Celebrate diversity in how people think, communicate, and experience the world. Show your child that being different isn’t something to hide, it’s something to embrace! - Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Explore blogs, books, and videos created by neurodivergent individuals. Their lived experiences offer powerful insights that can reshape how we think and speak about neurodiversity.
Here are some of my favorite resources to learn from neurodivergent individuals!
Websites:
Collective of autistic publishers discussing various topics (ABA, speech therapy, AAC, etc.).
Created by an autistic blogger who reflects ways we play, communicate, and relate to each other as both children and adults.
Autistic, ADHD SLP who shares several handouts, books, and blog posts about neurodiversity-affirming practices and neurodiverse perspectives.
Instagram Accounts:
- @learnplaythrive – Large team of mainly neurodivergent professionals who share a wide variety of autism content.
- @play.learn.chat – Adina Levy (Autistic ADHDer, SLP) shares neurodiversity affirming practices.
- @meaningfulspeech – Large team of SLPs who share information on gestalt language development, natural language acquisition, and child-led therapy.
- @atpeaceparents – Casey Ehrlich (PhD) shares a variety of content to support PDA profiles.