If a patient prefers identity-first language, how should you respond?

• A. Persist in using person-first language to standardize notes.
• B. Respect the patient’s preferred terminology and mirror their language.
• C. Always use the term "autistic patient" in notes.
• D. Avoid using the patient's language altogether.

Answer: (B)

Respecting a patient’s language preference is essential for patient-centered communication and building trust. If a patient indicates a preference for identity-first language, such as using “autistic person,” you should mirror that language in both conversations and documentation. This shows you value their self-identification and helps them feel seen and respected, which can improve engagement, rapport, and the accuracy of how you describe their experiences in notes.

This approach avoids imposing your own wording and reduces the risk of bias in your interactions. It also aligns with honoring patient autonomy and the real-world diversity of how people choose to identify.

Choosing not to mirror their language discounts their perspective and can undermine rapport. Using only person-first language by default ignores individual preferences; applying identity-first language only when the patient explicitly asks for it would be inconsistent. Avoiding the patient’s language altogether is dismissive and unreceptive to their identity.