We don’t often publish/highlight research papers here, as that’s not part of our core mission, however we have recently read a paper entitled ”Language and terminology preferences among neurodivergent adults in the United Kingdom” and it’s quite accessible. If numbers aren’t your thing, you can skip over the methodology section, as their are interesting observations throughout.
Some highlights are that individuals often call themselves “ADHDers”, however they are comfortable with someone else – in particular non ADHDers – calling themselves “A person with ADHD”.
The reason is this, according to the research: Many people who preferred “identity first” language view their neurodivergence as an integral part of themselves, their identity, and see it as something that cannot be removed. However there is a significant risk of the term “ADHDers” being used pejoratively by people outside the group, so “a personal with ADHD” has less baggage in that scenario.
It’s similar for other neurodivergencies with the exception of Tourettes and PDA (which this study included); so for example an autistic person is frequently happy with identifying themselves as “autistic”, but someone with Tourettes much preferred being referring themselves as “Someone with Tourettes”.
That said people are individual, and it’s about using the language they prefer as and when practical. The report highlighted that there is not a homogenous view. We are all different, even within our neurodivergencies!
There was also a lot more nuance in the paper about how those with neurodivergency view the term “disabled”, which even individuals can have conflicting opinions on, within themselves, based on our experience.
The Scottish ADHD Coalition brings together voluntary organisations providing support to adults and children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and their parents, carers and families. You can sign up to our mailing list here, read our FAQs, or find your nearest support group.