Person-first and identity-first

In English the two forms are called “person-first” (“person with autism”) and “identity-first” (“autistic person”). A US survey of 5,279 people on the autism spectrum and parents found three groups: an “open” cluster (47 per cent) without strong preferences, a cluster that preferred identity-emphasising language and a cluster that preferred person-emphasising language. The authors conclude that there is no consensus and advise asking about individual preferences in personal contact. ^[1] The study examines English terms in the USA and cannot simply be transferred to German terms.

For context: In its own texts, Autismus Wissen writes “people with autism” and “people on the autism spectrum” (in German “Menschen mit Autismus” and “Menschen im Autismus-Spektrum”). This is an editorial house decision, not an objectively correct form. There are different preferences in the community; the self-descriptions of other people are presented neutrally. Context for the study: article on language and terms.

Sources and literature

1. Dwyer P, Williams ZJ, Magnuson JE, Woynaroski TG: English-Language Autism Terminology Preferences of Autistic People and their Parents in the United States: Clustering Illuminates Diverse Views. Autism 2026 (online 25.08.2026). https://doi.org/10.1177/13623613261475023 (Open Access, Europe PMC PMC13624356)