RESEARCH: Understanding the words people use to describe their own developmental disabilities  

Kieran is involved in a research project with a number of other Neurodivergent researchers looking at defining the preferred terms for a range of Neurodivergencies.

In this study we are looking at ‘developmental disabilities’ (like dyslexia, or autism). There is a lot of disagreement about the words people use to describe themselves and their disabilities. Some people like ‘person first’ (i.e. person with dyslexia) words, and some like ‘identity first’ (dyslexic person) words. Some people might not think of their disability as a disability at all, and prefer another term. We want to know what YOU prefer. You might not agree with some of the words you see here, but your views are welcome in this study. We encourage you to share them, and tell us why you think this way.

We are looking at building a large and citable evidence base.

If you are over the age of 18, live in the UK and identify as Neurodivergent (diagnosed or self-identifying) in the ways described below, we’d really like you to take part – we are looking for as many participants as possible who are or have:

• Autistic
• ADHD
• Developmental language conditions (I.e. Stuttering)
• Developmental Communication Disorder and receptive and expressive language disorders
• Dyscalculia
• Dyslexia
• Dysgraphia
• Dyspraxia (Developmental Coordination Disorder)
• Global development Delay
• Use assisted communication (Non/Partial Speakers)
• Pathological Demand Avoidance
• Sensory Processing Disorder
• Visual Processing Disorder
• Auditory Processing Disorder
• Tourettes or Tics

Just as a warning, some of the wording and phraseology on the questionnaire may be a little uncomfortable to you (it may not), for example it may use the word ‘condition’ to describe something you don’t consider a condition – but this is an opportunity to say what you think, how you feel about certain terms and also to provide your own terms.

Not all Neurodivergencies are included, we felt it best to only make terminology suggestions based on the Neurodivergencies we as researchers experience.

More detailed information about the study and the contact details for Dr Amy Pearson if you would like to take part can all be found here; Link to Research Info and Contacts