La Trobe University > Olga Tennison Autism Research Centre > Statements > Statement on language and participatory research

Statement on language and participatory research

We recognise that there are differing perspectives and preferences of individuals in the Autism community when it comes to Autism identity language.

Our research shows that many people with lived experience of Autism prefer the use of identity-first rather than person-first language (Bury et al., 2020; Kenny et al., 2016). We do also acknowledge that some people with a diagnosis of Autism prefer person-first language. Where it is practical, we use each individual’s preferred language.

For more detail on OTARC research into language preferences, see Dr Simon Bury’s 2020 paper summary.

Language paper summary

In communications intended for a general audience, OTARC will avoid:

  • the use of ‘disorder’ and ‘condition’
  • using ‘deficits’ when describing characteristics and traits associated with Autism.

Examples of Language

Identity-first

  • Autistic
  • Autistic person

Person-first

  • Person with Autism
  • Person on the Autism spectrum

Acknowledgements

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

OTARC acknowledges that we work on the unceded lands of many traditional Indigenous custodians in Victoria and across Australia.

We recognise their ongoing connection to the land and value their unique contribution to our research, to La Trobe University and to wider Australian society.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present and thank them for their ongoing care of this beautiful country's land, skies, and waterways.

DIVERSITY

OTARC is committed to embracing diversity and eliminating all forms of discrimination. We will develop and sustain a culture where access, diversity and inclusivity are recognised, valued and celebrated. OTARC welcomes all people irrespective of neurotype, ethnicity, lifestyle choice, faith, sexual orientation or gender identity.

LIVED EXPERIENCE

Our research could not happen without the individual and collective contributions of those with lived experience of neurodivergence, and those who love and care for them. We acknowledge and value their unique expertise. Their perspectives are crucial to our mission to enrich the lives of Autistic people, their families and their carers through high-quality scientific research, innovation and translation and our vision for a world where Autistic people, their families and their carers thrive.