Name the barrier, not blame the person.
Write about access, communication, sensory load, timing, environment, and support before using judgment labels.
Public wording standard
ANCHOR Plain Language Guide
A writing standard for respectful, accurate, accessible public language across ANCHOR pages, documents, training, cards, and outreach materials.
Use plain words first.
Use short sentences, concrete examples, and predictable structure. Add professional wording after the plain meaning.
Respect preference.
Use identity-first or person-first language according to the person’s stated preference. Do not force one rule onto everyone.
ANCHOR writing principles
Use language that helps people act.
Public-facing language should be:
plainspecificnon-shamingactionablebilingual-readyliteral-friendly
Write so a parent, autistic adult, teacher, doctor, navigator, responder, or agency reviewer can understand what the word means and what support action follows.
Avoid language that:
blames firsthides support needsrequires guessingover-medicalizesuses shameturns access into favors
Replace vague labels with observed facts, context, barriers, and needed supports.
Confusing pairs
Keep close terms separate.
These comparisons belong in the Language Guide, not the Glossary, so users still understand that the Glossary is for definitions only.
Official distinction
Glossary means word definitions only. Language Guide means how to use better wording. Keeping these separate prevents the user from feeling lost.