Person-First vs. Identity-First Language

NEURODIVERSITY

“Neurodivergence is the term for when someone’s brain processes, learns, and/or behaves differently from what is considered ‘typical’”1. This modern term of “neurodiversity”, also known as “atypical”, is primarily a classification for people with autism. Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a disability that has been stigmatized throughout history. In fact, it wasn’t until the 1970s that both the concept of autism spectrum disorders was proposed by Lorna Wing, and the Education for All Handicapped Children Act was passed to help children with disabilities such as autism get an education after previously being excluded from school2 .

In 1997, diagnosis numbers began to rise. This caused concern at first, as people were uncertain of long term effects and lacked knowledge of the diagnosis itself3. However, as education about ASD is becoming more widespread, so is the understanding of the uniqueness and complexity of a person with autism’s thought processes.