Published on 12, July, 2020
Hey Everyone,
I'm curious to know what your thoughts are on functioning labels I see a lot of videos and posts on various social media pages. That are of the view that are a bad thing that segregates people within the autistic community. To be honest I'm not sure how I feel about it, I'm not sure I care enough to pass judgment on the topic. I do understand the purpose of them because there are autistic that can live independently with minimal to no help from all the way up to people that need full time round the clock care and everyone in-between.
I would never judge or treat any autistic person differently if they were for example nonverbal vs someone like myself who would be considered high functioning. I guess I just don't necessarily understand why there seems to be a of distaste towards functioning labels.
I work with children who have Special Educational Needs, the terms high and low functioning are generally used with regards to communication. That is not whether they are verbal or not, but an ability to communicate needs. It also refers to cognition, whether a child has the ability to learn, and the length of time it takes to learn a new skill. There are also other factors involved.
I'm only providing a professional perspective, nothing more, and no offence is meant by this.
As to ability to look after oneself, I have met many NTs who do not have any form of learning disability, that I'm surprised even remember how to breathe. Where the phrase " not having two brain cells to rub together" is rather apt.
This made me laugh, Pikl. Thank you. I needed to laugh today!
Pikl said:I have met many NTs who do not have any form of learning disability, that I'm surprised even remember how to breathe. Where the phrase " not having two brain cells to rub together" is rather apt.