Identity or Person First Phrasing

[Mx Griswold]

In the editor’s notes on my review I was corrected on use of identity first phrasing. While I don’t have a preference of my own I was trying to respect the prevailing opinion on this specific instance, which is to say, “autistic person”, not “person with autism”. Of course, the opinions in a disability or advocacy space are going to be very different from grammar rules, so I may have adopted technically incorrect phrasing by habit.

Here’s the correction (evidently I need to use more commas, whoops):

“From being in their heads with them[,] I’m pretty sure everyone in this book is[has] varying degrees of autistic but frankly that just lends to the Star Trek feel.”

Like I said, I thought this came down to preference. However, grammar is clearly not a strong suite of mine. If someone could point me to how identity first violates international grammar I’d be really appreciative. I’m much more likely to retain and act on a correction if I understand why I am wrong. Thanks!

[Claudia Angelucci]

I understand you tried to convey that everyone is on the autism spectrum?
I agree with you. Usually, you would say that "you are autistic" or that "you have autism". You wouldn't say "you have autistic" or "you have varying degrees of autistic."

[Mx Griswold]

Yea, thank you for your reply. I wonder if there is a way to get clarity on this with the editor. It’s bugging me that this was listed as an error without explanation.

[Claudia Angelucci]

If I were you, I would request a rescore of the review.
I did it twice and got my points back both times.

[Samantha Green Tolson]

As someone with an autistic child, and who also works in the behavioral field, I appreciate what you are trying to do here! I would fight it. It can really read either way. Your way is proper in the autistic world!