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Why I can't stand the label 'high functioning autism'

NASSola

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 Support is hardly given or it is withdrawn and given to those deemed to be more vulnerable or more in need.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.

Parents

  • Thank you so much for this post. @mouse2 is right, no one should constantly be offended by labels so if someone is okay with the phrase then that's fine. But when the perception of the phrase affects an individual's everyday life then it becomes problematic. There are times when I am okay with it, especially when I am becoming more independent, but there are times when I make mistakes that the negatives perceptions of the 'high functioning autism' label appear to me and hurt my feelings. 

  • in reply to NAS66392

    The problem with todays society is that everyones offended by something. Instead of thinking 'that's their life, their opinion' we feel the need to force our views on others. It's very much a dictatorship. The person forcing views usually isnt interested in the other persons history, feelings, how changes may affect the other person, if their already suffering from anxiety, depression, PTSD or anything else. Just the fact that everyone should conform. The problem with this is that we're not NT we generally dont follow blindly. Thats not to say that I will go out of my way to make someone feel uncomfortable, but I have seen people bullied online because for example, all of their life they've used the word Aspie, this was on their paperwork, they grew up with this term. Now online the person innocently says I'm and Aspie and you get an influx of hate spewed and trolls telling them that their evil, their wrong, their nazi's etc. I've seen this happen way to often. One lady online had this happen to her, I private messaged her, turns out she's a fantastic online friend, full of love and inclusion. From her one word to describe herself she was the target of hate! Its disgusting and I dont stand for bullying at all. No one knew this lady had anxiety and was close to suicide, they didnt care they just cared she didnt conform. This happens way too much. We in this case became online friends, I told her to block the nasty people. Not everyone has had an easy life, especially if your autistic and alone, as in no family, few friends. Spread inclusion and love. You dont like a term someones used for themselves, scroll on by as you never know what they may be going through and what your actions cause them 

  • in reply to mouse2

    You are right about not forcing people's views on others. I do agree that people have the right to an opinion but they should not say 'I'm telling you to think this way because I have been told it's the right way to think'. The only time I would say something is when someone's words could encourage people to be committ acts of violence against others because they don't like who or what they are, or deny either a woman or someone considered a minority something that they would improve their quality of life or potentially benefit their health.

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  • in reply to mouse2

    You are right about not forcing people's views on others. I do agree that people have the right to an opinion but they should not say 'I'm telling you to think this way because I have been told it's the right way to think'. The only time I would say something is when someone's words could encourage people to be committ acts of violence against others because they don't like who or what they are, or deny either a woman or someone considered a minority something that they would improve their quality of life or potentially benefit their health.

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