Short answer
Designers should replace medicalized 'disorder' terminology with 'neurodivergence' or 'difference' to improve the emotional appeal and inclusivity of products for autistic users.
- Field
- User-Centred Design
- Source
- Autism Research (2022)
- Method
- Mixed-methods (Quantitative survey and Qualitative thematic analysis)
- Sample
- 654 autistic adults
- Evidence
- Strong effect
Autistic adults globally prefer identity-first language and terminology that frames autism as a neurological difference rather than a medical disorder. This user-centred design research insight is drawn from a 2022 study published in Autism Research. Using Mixed-methods (quantitative survey and qualitative thematic analysis) with 654 autistic adults, researchers explored how this design variable affects real-world outcomes. The key design takeaway: Designers should replace medicalized 'disorder' terminology with 'neurodivergence' or 'difference' to improve the emotional appeal and inclusivity of products for autistic users.
Identity-first language 'Autistic person' increases user inclusivity compared to person-first 'Person with autism'
Autistic adults globally prefer identity-first language and terminology that frames autism as a neurological difference rather than a medical disorder.
Autism Research · 2022
Key Findings
- 01Identity-first language (e.g., 'Autistic person') is significantly more preferred than person-first language (e.g., 'Person with autism').
- 02Terms like 'Neurological difference' and 'Challenges' are favored over medicalized terms like 'Disorder' or 'Deficit'.
- 03The term 'High-functioning' is widely disliked and seen as stigmatizing or inaccurate.
Application
Design takeaway
Designers should replace medicalized 'disorder' terminology with 'neurodivergence' or 'difference' to improve the emotional appeal and inclusivity of products for autistic users.
How to apply
When creating an app for neurodivergent users, use 'Autistic' in the onboarding process and avoid terms like 'symptoms' or 'treatment'.
Project actions
- 01Use this study to justify the 'Tone of Voice' in your design folder.
- 02If designing an interface for accessibility, use the term 'Neurodivergent-friendly' instead of 'Autism-friendly'.
Method & Evidence
Variables
Strengths & Limitations
Strengths
- +Large global sample size
- +Uses both numbers (quantitative) and feelings (qualitative)
Limitations
Preferences can still be individual; always include a 'personal preference' option in your designs if possible.
Reliability & validity
High validity due to direct self-reporting from the autistic community, though limited by the 'English-speaking' sample.
Think critically
Why might a designer choose medical terminology even if users prefer identity-first language? (Hint: Consider the 'Stakeholders' like medical professionals or insurance companies).
Design Principles
"Linguistic Inclusivity: Use the community's preferred self-identification terms to foster user dignity and belonging."
In User-Centred Design (UCD), the 'User Research' and 'Pleasure/Emotion' sub-topics emphasize designing for the user's psychological needs. Using preferred terminology in interfaces, instructions, and marketing is critical for establishing trust and emotional resonance with neurodivergent user groups.
What This Means for Your Design
When you are designing for people with autism, the words you use matter. Most prefer being called an 'autistic person' because they see autism as a core part of who they are, not a disease they 'have'.
How to use in your project
- 1.Cite this when justifying your choice of language in user personas or on-screen instructions for a product aimed at neurodivergent individuals.
Add to My Project
Quick Cite
Paragraph starter
According to Keating et al. (2022), identity-first language such as 'autistic person' is preferred over person-first language by the majority of the community. Therefore, this design utilizes identity-first terminology to maximize user rapport and emotional inclusivity.
Source
Autism Research
Autism‐related language preferences of <scp>English</scp> ‐speaking individuals across the globe: A mixed methods investigation
journal · 2022
View sourceQuestions About This Research
- What does the research say about identity-first language 'autistic person' increases user inclusivity compared to person-first 'person with autism'?
- Designers should replace medicalized 'disorder' terminology with 'neurodivergence' or 'difference' to improve the emotional appeal and inclusivity of products for autistic users. Evidence: Autism Research (2022).
- Why does "Identity-first language 'Autistic person' increases user inclusivity compared to person-first 'Person with autism'" matter for design?
- In User-Centred Design (UCD), the 'User Research' and 'Pleasure/Emotion' sub-topics emphasize designing for the user's psychological needs. Using preferred terminology in interfaces, instructions, and marketing is critical for establishing trust and emotional resonance with neurodivergent user groups.
- How can designers apply this research?
- Designers should replace medicalized 'disorder' terminology with 'neurodivergence' or 'difference' to improve the emotional appeal and inclusivity of products for autistic users.
- What were the main findings?
- Identity-first language (e.g., 'Autistic person') is significantly more preferred than person-first language (e.g., 'Person with autism').. Terms like 'Neurological difference' and 'Challenges' are favored over medicalized terms like 'Disorder' or 'Deficit'.. The term 'High-functioning' is widely disliked and seen as stigmatizing or inaccurate.
- What research method was used?
- Mixed-methods (Quantitative survey and Qualitative thematic analysis) with 654 autistic adults.
- How strong is the evidence?
- Evidence strength is rated Strong effect, based on a 2022 journal from Autism Research.
- What should I do differently in my next project?
- When creating an app for neurodivergent users, use 'Autistic' in the onboarding process and avoid terms like 'symptoms' or 'treatment'.
- What are the limitations?
- The study focused only on English speakers and may not reflect preferences in non-Western cultures or different languages.