People-First Language?

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I prefer the first option.

If we need to structure our language to remind ourselves that people with any sort of a disability are people, there is a serious problem that won't be fixed just by forcing people to change the form of their sentences.
I use "I'm autistic". People with autism are fairly obviously people. Why state the obvious?

Yes, this.

I voted "I'm autistic." I would also say "I'm an autistic person." I avoid autist, autie and aspie, however.

I don't have an official ASD diagnosis, but I prefer saying autistic.

Some say they want to emphasize that autism is a part of who they are instead of something they have, like a sore throat. I can relate to that, though I say it mainly because it's easier. I always say "I'm hypothyroid" instead of "I have hypothyroidism".

Too bad there are no official equivalents to AS or ADD. "I am attention-deficient" doesn't really work I have no problem with Aspie, though.

At least to me it's strictly an adjective. Like saying "An independent living in Seattle" instead of "An independent man living in Seattle". That's where autie comes in, but I never use it.


Who's the Chinese?

This was in an article in my college's newspaper. I thought it was silly. Although, they used it to show that using specific words can be detrimental to people with disabilities and that we should remember they're people first, rather than their condition.

Personally, I agree with the sentiment. The problem is that people do define themselves firstly by their obstacles. I have sincere doubt that the rephrasing of one thing will cause people to change how they feel about people with those issues or about themselves. Saying, "I have depression" does not take away the turmoil I feel. Saying "I'm depressed" could get help quicker. Really, they're using this rephrasing as a panacea when it just seems like another detour of the issues.

However, if anyone wishes to say "I know a person with autism" or "I am a person with autism" that's fine with me. Same with "I'm autistic" or "I know an autistic person." The point is communicated either way and that's all I really care about.