Learning Disability, Autism and Neurodiversity Bill: scoping analysis 2022

2. Language

We recognise that different disability communities have different preferences in respect of how individual members are described. In this report, we seek to respect these preferences. However we accept that the terminology will not be reflective of the preferences of every member of a given community.

When speaking of autism and neurodivergence, we use identity-first language such as 'autistic person' and 'neurodivergent person', as this formulation was preferred by the majority of such people with whom we interacted during the scoping work.

When speaking of learning disabilities, we use person-first language such as 'person with a learning disability', as this was the preference of the majority of such people with whom we worked.

For some communities, 'neurodivergence' refers to individuals and groups thereof whose brain processes are different from those of the supposed majority in society. Under this model, 'neurodivergent people' would refer generally to people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and a wide variety of people whose neurology is different by virtue of ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, and so on.

Not all individuals or communities identify, or are comfortable, with the terminology of neurodivergence. In an attempt to balance these viewpoints, we refer alternatively within this report to 'neurodivergent people' as a whole, and to separate categories of people, such as when we refer to 'people with learning disabilities, autistic people, and other neurodivergent people'.

We will continue to seek guidance and feedback on the terminology that we use throughout the Bill development process to ensure that we are as inclusive and respectful as possible.