Direct Care Worker (DCW) Level II Developmental Disabilities Practice Exam

People First Language puts the person before the condition, using wording that respects dignity and avoids labeling someone by their diagnosis. Saying “Tom has a mental health condition” keeps the person central and uses neutral terms that reduce stigma. The word “has” indicates Tom is a person who happens to live with a condition, rather than defining him by it, which is important in daily practice with individuals receiving care.

Other options are less ideal because they label the person by the condition or use more stigmatizing language. “Tom is mentally ill” defines Tom by the illness itself, which can feel dehumanizing. “Tom has a mental illness” is closer to person-first but still relies on the term “illness,” which can carry negative connotations for some. “Tom has a psychiatric disorder” uses a highly clinical label that can feel distant or stigmatizing.

In practice, choosing neutral, person-first terms like “mental health condition” supports respect, reduces stigma, and aligns with a person-centered approach in care.