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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

  • Great thread idea. 

    First, I don't wish to suggest people shouldn't identify as they wish, but I absolutely see why this term can seem and feel challenging to many. 

    I myself prefer to think of this in terms of how autism affects individuals and how much the impact of it brings a challenge to any given person realising their life as they choose. In many life areas my symptoms mean I can function well, yet in others daily life is vastly challenging. I imagine something of this notion may resonate with many. 

    Also, the term cannot help but draw a contrast with non-autistic people (I use this as a term of convenience, not suggesting anything) in the sense that the 'higher' the functioning, the 'less' the impact and/or severity of a person's autism. This is not meant as a value statement, rather how it seems to me. 

    Language itself is a limiting factor in many debates of a parallel nature. As in, nothing wrong with comparing oneself to a benchmark of ~asymptomatic for the sake of making sense of or explaining how autism affects an individual. But I am challenged in thinking of any way of expressing this idea that wouldn't be seen with possible negatives by some. 

    My approach is to focus on intent, learning and understanding. I seek to assuage offence where none was intended, and to explain why something upsets me when it does. I find similar challenges where it comes to LGBTQ+ terminology, and from philosophy, many if not all areas of human discourse. 

    Please don't read any of the above as advice or suggesting I'm right about anything. My aim is merely to stimulate healthy, respectful thought about such a complex matter.

Reply

  • Great thread idea. 

    First, I don't wish to suggest people shouldn't identify as they wish, but I absolutely see why this term can seem and feel challenging to many. 

    I myself prefer to think of this in terms of how autism affects individuals and how much the impact of it brings a challenge to any given person realising their life as they choose. In many life areas my symptoms mean I can function well, yet in others daily life is vastly challenging. I imagine something of this notion may resonate with many. 

    Also, the term cannot help but draw a contrast with non-autistic people (I use this as a term of convenience, not suggesting anything) in the sense that the 'higher' the functioning, the 'less' the impact and/or severity of a person's autism. This is not meant as a value statement, rather how it seems to me. 

    Language itself is a limiting factor in many debates of a parallel nature. As in, nothing wrong with comparing oneself to a benchmark of ~asymptomatic for the sake of making sense of or explaining how autism affects an individual. But I am challenged in thinking of any way of expressing this idea that wouldn't be seen with possible negatives by some. 

    My approach is to focus on intent, learning and understanding. I seek to assuage offence where none was intended, and to explain why something upsets me when it does. I find similar challenges where it comes to LGBTQ+ terminology, and from philosophy, many if not all areas of human discourse. 

    Please don't read any of the above as advice or suggesting I'm right about anything. My aim is merely to stimulate healthy, respectful thought about such a complex matter.

Children
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