I think this is the best forum to air my 'objections' to the phrase 'high functioning autism'.
I believe those 'saddled' with this label have too much expectations placed on them and they are usually expected to adhere to the neurotypical way of thinking and behaving. This will undoubtedly place more anxiety and stress - which they already experience. Those with this label appear to 'know it all' and seem to 'talk the talk' but in some cases this isn't 'in depth' or it is just masking behaviour.
Speaking from the perspective of an education practitioner, with many years of experience, it's a common occurrence in schools where funding has become a difficulty, that those on the spectrum with this label do not receive adequate support needed because their 'ability' is always taken for granted. Support is hardly given or it is withdrawn and given to those deemed to be more vulnerable or more in need. What many people do not realise is that sometimes, those deemed as 'high functioning' need as much support as those with the 'low functioning' label.
One cannot begin to imagine the difficulties those with this label face at the work place as well as society in general and how they are so misunderstood!
Research has also shown people on the spectrum with this label are prone to 'masking', thereby suppressing their real selves and trying to fit in society - which can make them overwhelmed.
Another side to this topic that should bother everyone is this; how about those deemed as 'low functioning'? Does that make them lesser human beings? Are we supposed to expect less from them when we know for a fact that every autistic child or adult has something very special about them. They are always good at something. For those who don't agree with me, it is because you have not looked closer enough. Maybe you have not taken the time to study them.
This 'high functioning autism' label should be treated with caution. It can be very misleading and it can be 'harmful' to the health of those on the autism spectrum.
