High and Low Functioning Autism Have Differences
There is such thing as high and low functioning autism, and when you know the difference, you’re better able to relate or handle someone that has either. While many are referred to as having one or the other, there is actually not a specific category that categorizes someone with autism on either of these ends. In fact, they are now grouped into one diagnosis known as the autism spectrum disorder.
Even though they are broken up into classes: 1, 2 and 3, they are often referred to as high or low functioning autism to make it sound a bit less clinical. The problem with this is that it is not a diagnosis or given title from a medical standpoint, but it is actually something that is given by a parent, caretaker, teacher, or other people close to the individual.
Why High or Low Functioning is Not Helpful
When you are choosing to speak with someone who has autism or learning more about what they have to offer, then you want to consider the term that you use. Neither one of these terms is able to provide someone with an idea of who the person is or what they are capable of.
The terms also do not tell you how well they are going to do in different areas of their lives, or what they are able to do in terms of school or a job, or when they are next to those that they love. Not only that, but aggressive behavior is something that is seen in a lot of autistic individuals, so using this to determine if they are “high” or “low” functioning is not always helpful.
It is actually important to think of autism as what is normal for them and what is not. Those who have this disorder have a series of actions or quirks that make them stand out from others, which is thought to be normal, not high or low.
source: https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-autistic-emotions-may-go-unrecognized-260602
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