Seton Hall University Libraries: Inclusive Language: Disability

Disability

Identity	Explanation	Example
Disability Mention only when relevant. We use person-first language, such as person with a disability, not disabled person. Sourced from: https://www.lsadc.org/content.asp?admin=Y&contentid=199	(From the Linguistic Society of America): “In referring to groups characterized by a disability, be sensitive to community and/or author-specific preferences for terms such as Deaf vs. hearing impaired, disabled vs. person with disabilities, is autistic vs. has autism vs. has been diagnosed with autism, and other such expressions.	Be aware of the significance of capitalization with terms such as deaf vs. Deaf, where the former refers to a physical characteristic and the latter represents membership in the Deaf culture and communities. (AP style differs here, lowercasing deaf in all uses.) Avoid seemingly euphemistic terms such as differently abled."
Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder	Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.	Use person-first language: person with ADHD, person who has ADHD. Do not use the outdated terms attention-deficit disorder or ADD.
Dyslexia	Dyslexia is a learning disability that impairs a person's ability to read. Although the disorder varies from person to person, common characteristics among people with dyslexia are difficulty with phonological processing (the manipulation of sounds), spelling, and rapid visual-verbal responding.	Use person-first language: person with dyslexia, person who has dyslexia, rather than dyslexic, unless someone describes themselves that way.
Autism	Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurological and developmental disorder that affects how people interact with others, communicate, learn, and behave. ASD should never be referred to as a mental illness or a disease. Both autism and autism spectrum disorder (or ASD) are acceptable ways of referring to the disorder, depending on the audience and the context.	The autism community is diverse and while some people prefer person-first language — person with autism or person on the autism spectrum — others have proudly claimed identity-first language and prefer autistic person. Generally, person on the autism spectrum is the least polarizing term. Informally, some NIH ICOs will switch back and forth between person-first and identity-first language around autism to be inclusive.
Neurodiversity	Neurodiversity describes the idea that people experience and interact with the world around them in many ways, with no one "right" way of thinking, learning, and behaving, and differences are not deficits. Neurodiversity refers to the diversity of all people, but it is often used in the context of autism spectrum disorder and other neurological or developmental disorders such as ADHD or dyslexia. This language can be helpful to use when talking about workplace or classroom accommodations for neurodiverse people. Referring to someone as neurodiverse or neurodivergent is a way to focus on the positive aspects of their differences and what that can bring to the group setting.