Developing the National Autism Strategy – Statement on language

The Australian Government acknowledges that people use different words to talk about Autism, and that each person will have a way of talking about Autism and about themselves that they like best.  Some people in the Autistic community like to say ‘Autistic person’ (identity-first language, some like to say ‘person with Autism’ (person-first language), and some are fine with using either.

The Australian Government is using identity-first language to talk about the National Autism Strategy.  This means that we will usually use the term Autistic person or Autistic people.