Published on 12, July, 2020
Is What does this actally mean in practice, not the dictionary definition, but for those of us so labelled? Although no ones ever told me I'm high functioning, I guess I am.
Is it a helpful term or unhelpful?
Does it express our experiences properly or reflect away from them?
Is this a term more helpful to NT's than us?
Personally I find the term a bit insulting as well as divisive and dismissive.
Does anyone think saying something like “high masking” instead of ‘high functioning’ could be helpful?
I thought since masking could probably have some part with people thinking you are arent struggling as much as you are (which some of you mentioned). But I think there are also people with like intellectual disabilities who would be considered “low functioning” regardless if they masked. So maybe something like “Im a high masking autistic with no intellectual disabilities”? It probably isnt much more helpful but maybe it can give someone a better idea
Or some people say “has high support needs/ low support needs”
Others I know will just say the persons specific support needs but I feel like that could be inconvenient in a quick comment.
I personally just say autistic and dont ussually mention “functionality” unless its needed for the specific thing im talking about.
There probably isnt a prrfect termnology
when trouble brews in the social sphere, I say "I'm on the spectrum, so please ___. " after that everyone becomes very nice or terrified, or curious, or does something clueless. It's all very amusing. Here is a good example from one of my favorite ND peeps, Rick Glassman
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCpdMHqihIw&ab_channel=TheDailyShow
Just look up "Rick Glassman" on youtube , in that case.
Video not available in the UK