You might have noticed in this story that I used the phrase “people with disabilities” a lot instead of using things we’re used to seeing or hearing more often like “handicapped” or “disabled.” You’ve ...

It’s important to look at the intent and context behind usage. Identity-first language can be negative if it’s not accompanied by empathy or respect. For years, the autism community has grappled with ...

DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — Is there a right way to identify people on the autism spectrum? A debate is brewing about person-first versus identity-first language. Experts tend to think those who choose ...

New research dives into the heated debate surrounding the language of autism and finds that preferences about how to describe those on the spectrum vary substantially depending on who you ask. In a ...

At a training the other day on the topic of homelessness, a participant stood up during the question-and-answer section and shared his perspective for the audience. "I appreciate you trying to be ...

JOE SHAPIRO, INVESTIGATIONS, NPR: My name is Joe Shapiro. I'm a correspondent at NPR. I work on the Investigations unit, but I've had a long interest in disability issues. I've been writing about this ...

“He’s autistic,” I say, responding to a question about my 9-year-old son. After shifting in her chair, a co-worker responds: “It must be hard to have a child on the spectrum.” A version of this ...

In the past, the National Center on Disability and Journalism’s disability language style guide prioritized the use of person-first language — advising language like “person with a disability,” for ...

In a recent conversation, I mentioned that I am neurodivergent. I was surprised to be corrected. My conversation partner attempted to challenge my thinking: "Why do you have to say 'I am'? You swim; ...