RULES OF USAGE
Inclusive language continued
Addressing the gender binary In some cases , writers might consider adapting language to better represent our diverse patient population . For example , teens of different sexes may need to know about conditions or symptoms unique to their assigned sex . However , that assigned sex may not match their gender . See an example of how to account for this below .
• The athlete triad : - Instead of saying : “ The athlete triad , which includes disordered eating , amenorrhea and osteoporosis , affects teen girls .” - Say : “ The athlete triad , which includes disordered eating , amenorrhea and osteoporosis , can affect any teen girl or menstruating adolescent .”
Parents , guardians and caregivers Our families come in many shapes and sizes . Not every patient is brought in by their parents or by parents that fall into the roles of mom and dad . For that reason , consider expanding the way we talk about families to include other types of relationships .
• When writing about families generally , consider using caregiver or guardian instead of parent or mom / dad .
• Using both parents and caregivers / guardians together is also acceptable .
Pronouns
• When writing about children generally , use they / them / their singular and plural pronouns to simplify the message for parents and make language more inclusive of all children . For example , “ Be sure your child takes their medicine every day .”
• Make an effort to ask subjects their pronouns and use the pronouns they identify in your writing .
Person-first language
There ’ s so much more to a child than their illness or condition . For that reason , we generally use person-first language that identifies a person by their name or a simple noun or pronoun and not by their condition . In some instances , though , some communities , especially the deaf and autistic communities , prefer identity-first language . As a best practice , if an individual requests or uses identity-first language during an interview , follow their preference in your writing . If you don ’ t know the preferences of an individual or group , use a mix of person-first and identity-first language .
Example : Person-first :
• The treatment is designed to help children with asthma .
• Dr . Doe works with patients diagnosed with cancer .
Identity-first :
• Dr . Doe works with autistic patients , such as Jane Smith .
Brand Guidelines 2024-08 34