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Autistic, Lesbian, Gay, Dyslexic, Transgender, Bisexual, Schizophrenic...
These are a few of the many common words we may use in clinical settings (and now also social media) when we address people we work with in the field and communities. For decades now, there have been vicious arguments about person first vs. identity-first language across different types of communities across the globe. In occupational therapy education and academic publications, person first language is the preferred choice. However, when out in the field, this really boils down to what each individual or family would prefer. And as a profession that is known for its client-centred and family-centred practices, this is a question we need to ask as soon as possible so that we can get this right from the start... not after treatment #5, #10, or when the series of treatments are all finished.