Person Before Patient

         "You're a failure." That is what a professor says to you after making a low grade on a quiz. It sounds horrible, doesn't it? You slip up on one aspect of your life and suddenly it defines who you are. One aspect of you should not become what you are. That does not mean that you are a failure at being a mother, a father, a friend, or an athlete.
          This is why it is important to utilize person-first language. When a person has a stroke, they are commonly referred to as a "stroke patient." They are not recognized by their accomplishments, such as being a hard working parent or even a doctor if they are a physician. They are recognized by what limits them the most. If a person is recognized for who they are before their weaknesses, I believe they will have a better outlook on therapy and other interventions. Clients need to be reminded of who they truly are in order to motivate them to work towards being at the same level of functionality as they were prior to their injury or condition. If a client is constantly reminded of their disability or injury, they may not believe that they can improve. If they are six weeks into therapy and are still being reminded of their condition, they will not recognize the progress they have made because they are identified as what put them in therapy.
          Additionally, clients may see their condition as a permanent barrier if they are addressed with it. If I ask a client with autism to perform a task, but they have only been referred to as an autistic person, then they may immediately assume that they cannot accomplish certain tasks due to their "label."
         If practitioners being to use person-first language and help clients realize that they are seen as much more than their limitations, success will be inevitable. Clients will see the potential that we see as occupational therapists. Any step forward is progress, and progress is the goal.