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

Botha, M., Hanlon, J., & Williams, G. (2021). Does Language Matter? Identity-First Versus Person-First Language Use in Autism Research: A Response to Vivanti. Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, 53(2), 870-878. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10803-020-04858-w

Publication date: 20 Jan 2021 Added to AutiHub: 5 Jul 2026 Type: Article Article language: English

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Authors

Publication authors
3
Publication authors identified as autistic
2 / 3 (66.7%)

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.

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Cited references
92
Total cited references integrated for this publication.
Cited references with an identified autistic author
19 / 92 (20.7%)
Cited author occurrences identified as autistic
29 / 201 (14.4%)
Among occurrences linked to AutiHub author records: 29 / 107 (27.1%). Distinct cited authors identified as autistic: 17 / 168 (10.1%).
Cited author occurrences linked to AutiHub author records
107 / 201 (53.2%)
Distinct linked cited authors: 78 / 168 (46.4%)
Linked cited-author occurrences not identified as autistic
78 / 107 (72.9%)
Among linked cited-author occurrences only. Across all cited-author occurrences: 78 / 201 (38.8%). Distinct linked cited authors not identified as autistic: 61 / 78 (78.2%).
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