Person-centered language emphasizes the individual as the focus of communication and prioritizes their identity and experiences over their diagnosis or condition. It advocates for recognizing the person as a whole rather than defining them solely based on their mental health or substance use issues.
The term "person first language" mirrors this principle by placing the individual before their condition. For instance, saying "a person with autism" rather than "an autistic person" fosters respect and acknowledges the person’s individuality beyond their diagnosis. This approach is critical in promoting dignity, respect, and empowerment among individuals seeking recovery or support.
While "client-centered language" and "patient-focused language" also suggest a focus on individuals receiving care, they do not specifically highlight the importance of prioritizing the person's identity and humanity in the manner that person first language does. "Consumer rights language" pertains more broadly to the rights of individuals within systems, rather than the specific focus on language that reflects awareness of personhood and individuality in supportive contexts.