What is the People First Language equivalent for 'He's mentally retarded'?

What is the People First Language equivalent for 'He's mentally retarded'?

• A. He is mentally ill.
• B. Paul has an intellectual disability.
• C. Paul has a cognitive disability.
• D. Paul is an autistic.

Answer: (C)

Using People First Language means describing the person as someone who has a disability, not as someone who is defined by the disability. Saying “Paul has a cognitive disability” puts the person first and uses neutral terminology to describe a condition rather than labeling him by it. This phrasing respects dignity by separating identity from the disability and keeps the focus on the person. Among the options, this is the best fit because it follows the person-first pattern and uses a respectful, medically recognized descriptor. Other choices either refer to a different condition (mental illness), use a stronger label that might stigmatize or mischaracterize the situation (intellectual disability is a precise diagnosis, and “is autistic” reflects identity-first language, which some contexts avoid), or are awkward in construction (“an autistic”).

Using People First Language means describing the person as someone who has a disability, not as someone who is defined by the disability. Saying “Paul has a cognitive disability” puts the person first and uses neutral terminology to describe a condition rather than labeling him by it. This phrasing respects dignity by separating identity from the disability and keeps the focus on the person.

Among the options, this is the best fit because it follows the person-first pattern and uses a respectful, medically recognized descriptor. Other choices either refer to a different condition (mental illness), use a stronger label that might stigmatize or mischaracterize the situation (intellectual disability is a precise diagnosis, and “is autistic” reflects identity-first language, which some contexts avoid), or are awkward in construction (“an autistic”).