So, uni is coming back next week...and during my one term break, we suddenly switched to Apa 7. Which is annoying...good news is that since I never mastered Apa 6, its not a hard unlearning process. I was always shit at Apa 6.
But to my point: I consider it a win that these are now correct Apa format! (They were not before, infact these could lose you marks on the old Apa 6!)
Using singular "they" when gender of person your refering to is unknown (vs having two options: he or she)
Or if "they" is preferred
Use of preferred pronouns where known, even if official documents say another gender (vs always referring to pronouns as per official documents)
When using preferred pronouns, you should consider the ethics ie if it breaks confidentiality or might put someone at risk
Both person-first and identity-first language is now equally correct (vs person-first only)
Meaning that groups that prefer identity-first can now have that option!
Meaning that "autistic person" is now just as correct as "person with autism". The first option is overwhelmingly preferred by autistics.
I don't like that "person-first" can also be used in this case, but having the option is good for other groups. Not all groups want to be associated so closely with thier 'disorder'. I think both options is the best outcome that was reasonable to expect.
So this is now a thing.