Value-Neutral Language

We aim to use language that is empowering for the groups that we are representing. We also understand that not all individuals will feel adequately represented by all words and all stories.

Guiding Principles

• We always aim to use person-first language when referencing our actors, writers and characters (with the exception of autistics [see below]).

• We avoid demeaning phrases like “suffers from” or “afflicted with”.

• We do not mention that a person lives with a disability unless it is relevant to the conversation.

Developmental Disabilities

As we connect with communities of individuals with developmental disabilities, we ask what words they identify with. Disability tends to be a commonly accepted term, though some people prefer: “differently-abled”, “people of all abilities” or “person who has special needs”.

Autism Spectrum Disorder

It is our understanding that autistic individuals often prefer identity first language.

“In the autism community, many self-advocates and their allies prefer terminology such as “Autistic,” “Autistic person,” or “Autistic individual” because we understand autism as an inherent part of an individual’s identity.”

(https://autisticadvocacy.org/about-asan/identity-first-language/)

For this reason, when we refer to the populations we are working with and writing about, we will often refer to them as autistic individuals and people with developmental disabilities, in order to respect the identifications with both groups find more reflective of their experience.