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What are your thoughts on the term "High Functioning"?

Jalapeno

I've noticed quite a few autistic people on this forum describing themselves as "high functioning." I'm genuinely interested in hearing why people choose to use this label.

Personally, I dislike it and would prefer not to see it being used.

From the outside, based on my qualifications and career, many people would probably describe me as "high functioning." Yet I still struggle with many aspects of daily life and work, and I worry the label makes those difficulties seem less significant or suggests I need little support or reasonable adjustments, which isn't the case.

I'm also not convinced that the Levels 1, 2 and 3 always solve the problem, as our support needs can vary enormously depending on the environment we're in.

I also wonder whether some people use "high functioning" simply to mean they don't have a learning disability. If so, wouldn't it be clearer just to say that?

For those who do use the term, what benefit do you feel it provides—for yourself or when explaining your autism to other people? I'm genuinely interested in hearing different perspectives.

NAS - any thoughts on running a poll on this ?

Parents

  • Myself, I was tested in house by the NHS in 2015 for autism and after that started living as with autistic traits. I was formally diagnosed later. I didn’t read online on forums until I was diagnosed.

    It seems like forums can be a good support platform for those who are diagnosed. Some people though may be can start to compare more who remain online around this area much after being diagnosed. This can be positive or negative for some people. You can start to compare, not just here but generally with research. People should be living their lives at the same time.

    People have genuine reasons why they may not like the terms, but I think this becoming somewhat of an expert on the subject and posting online may make it more challenging at times.

Reply

  • Myself, I was tested in house by the NHS in 2015 for autism and after that started living as with autistic traits. I was formally diagnosed later. I didn’t read online on forums until I was diagnosed.

    It seems like forums can be a good support platform for those who are diagnosed. Some people though may be can start to compare more who remain online around this area much after being diagnosed. This can be positive or negative for some people. You can start to compare, not just here but generally with research. People should be living their lives at the same time.

    People have genuine reasons why they may not like the terms, but I think this becoming somewhat of an expert on the subject and posting online may make it more challenging at times.

Children
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