Why Functioning Labels in Autism Are Outdated and Cause Harm

You might hear people use terms like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” when discussing autism, but the functioning labels debate autism shows these labels oversimplify a complex condition.

They can also be harmful. In fact, about 65% of autism diagnoses still use “high-functioning” as a label, as shown below:

Research from the functioning labels debate autism reveals that these labels can lower self-esteem and restrict access to support.

• People with autism often feel set apart after receiving a functioning label.
• Some students want to appear “normal,” but sharing their diagnosis can make fitting in even harder.
• Labels can lead to social challenges and make it difficult to form friendships.

The functioning labels debate autism highlights how your words can impact others’ feelings. The ongoing discussion about functioning labels in autism demonstrates that language shapes self-worth and the support people receive. Choosing thoughtful and accurate words helps you better understand and support autistic individuals.

Key Takeaways

• Functioning labels like ‘high-functioning’ and ‘low-functioning’ make autism seem too simple. These labels do not show how different each person is.
• Using these labels can hurt self-esteem. They can also stop autistic people from getting the help they need. Experts say we should look at each person’s strengths and challenges.
• This helps us understand and support autistic people better. The words we use change how people think. Using kind and correct words can help people accept and support autistic people.
• Talking with the autistic community is important. Listening to what they want helps everyone feel included and understood.

Problems with Functioning Labels

Oversimplifying the Spectrum

People often use “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” to talk about autism. These labels seem to explain what someone can do. But they do not show the real variety in autism.

The functioning labels debate autism says these words make things too simple. Two people with the same label can be very different.

One person called “high-functioning” might speak well but get overwhelmed by sounds. Another person with that label might find talking to others hard but do daily tasks easily.

Labels like “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” miss important details. They do not show that every autistic person is unique.

Studies say functioning labels cause confusion. If someone is called “high-functioning,” people may think they do not need help.

Teachers or caregivers might miss giving support. A “low-functioning” label can make people think someone cannot do things alone, even if they can.

• A child called “high functioning” might not get help because people think they are fine.
• A “low functioning” label can make people think a child cannot do much.
• Dr. Ryan Sultan says two people with the same label can have different problems, like trouble with friends or with loud noises.
• Experts say it is better to use clear, personal descriptions instead of broad labels.

Many people think functioning labels never change, but that is not true. How someone acts can change over time or in different places.

Someone might do well at school but have a hard time at home. The functioning labels debate autism shows these labels can make people expect too much or too little.

Stigma and Invalidation

Functioning labels do more than make things simple. They can also cause stigma and make people feel left out.

Using these labels can make it seem like some autistic people are “better” or “worse.” This can hurt self-esteem and make it hard to feel accepted.

Studies show people with autism face negative ideas, especially when the media uses these labels. Changing from Asperger’s syndrome to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) did not stop the stigma. Some people feel even more left out because of how society talks about autism.

People called “high-functioning” might have their problems ignored. Those called “low-functioning” might face low expectations.

Many autistic people use their own words to talk about themselves. This helps protect their self-esteem and identity.

People often misunderstand functioning labels. Some think these labels help, but they can cause trouble:

• Functioning labels can confuse people and do not show all abilities.
• Someone might look “high-functioning” at work but struggle at home.
• These labels can make people expect too little from those called “low-functioning” and too much from those called “high-functioning.”
• Not using these labels helps stop negative ideas and unfair expectations.

Here is a table that shows how functioning labels compare to other ways of describing disabilities:

International guidelines now say not to use functioning labels. Experts suggest using person-first language and focusing on each person’s changing needs. You should always use words that respect neurodiversity and real experiences of autistic people.

Functioning Labels Debate Autism

Why the Debate Exists

People still argue about functioning labels in autism. Some families and professionals think these labels help explain needs.

But many researchers say labels do not make life better. They believe it is better to look at each person’s needs. Broad categories do not show real differences.

A report from autism researchers says terms like “profound autism” are confusing. These labels split people into groups and focus on what they cannot do. This can hurt self-esteem and confidence. Using just the word “autism” helps include everyone’s strengths and challenges.

Jessica Flynn, an autistic advocate, says functioning labels hide real struggles. She explains that people called “high-functioning” still have big problems. Others may ignore their needs.

Families and professionals who like functioning labels want clear ways to talk about support. But these labels can lead to unfair help. People called “high-functioning” may not get help, even if they need it every day.

Autistic Advocacy and Perspectives

Autistic self-advocates are important in the functioning labels debate autism. They do not like these labels because they make autism too simple. Someone might do well at home but have trouble in public. Labels do not show these changes.

Many autistic people say functioning labels are made by society. These labels show what others expect, not what autistic people feel.

This split can be ableist and hide real problems. For example, someone called “high-functioning” may have strong sensory issues. Someone called “low-functioning” may have skills that people do not see.

Recent research and community statements say terms like “profound autism” are misleading and rude. These words do not help with services or research. They also make people think intellectual disability is always part of autism, but that is not true.

You can help autistic people by using words that respect their identity. Some people like person-first language. Others like identity-first language. Both ways focus on the person, not just the diagnosis.

Diagnostic Shifts

Changes in Criteria

Doctors now diagnose autism in new ways. The DSM-5 is a book that helps doctors. It changed how autism is diagnosed. It put all autism types into one group called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). This change shows autism is a spectrum.

It is not just separate types. The new rules focus on social communication and sensory differences. These are important parts of autism. Doctors use new specifiers to explain how autism affects each person.

These changes help move away from functioning labels. The functioning labels debate autism shows broad labels miss details. You should look at each person’s strengths and challenges.

Focus on Support Needs

You may wonder how these changes affect support. Doctors and teachers now look at what each person needs. They do not just use labels. This helps you get the right help at school or in life.

• Diagnostic changes make clinical judgment less certain, but they help professionals focus on your needs.
• Social factors and age matter when you learn about your autism diagnosis.
• Clinicians use more meetings to build trust and learn about your real life.
• When professionals listen to your feelings, you can feel better and challenge negative thoughts.
• Knowing your needs helps you find ways to handle sensory overload and anxiety.

Teachers and doctors try not to label deficits. They want to give learning chances based on your needs. Sometimes, schools still use old labels, but experts say needs-based support is better. When you get help for your strengths and challenges, you can do well and feel accepted.

Ask for help that fits your needs, not just your diagnosis. This helps you get the right support and feel understood.

Real-World Impact

Barriers to Support

Functioning labels can make it hard to get help. If someone calls you “high-functioning,” teachers or doctors may think you do not need support.

You might miss out on services that help you do well. If you get a “low-functioning” label, people may only see your challenges. They might ignore your strengths. This can make you feel stuck and limit your choices.

Many autistic people say these labels do not fit their real needs. There is no clear meaning for “high-functioning” or “low-functioning.” This makes it hard to explain what help you need. When professionals use these labels, they often miss important facts about your life. You might feel misunderstood or left out.

Ask for help based on your own strengths and challenges, not just a label. This helps you get the right support and feel valued.

You are part of a community that cares about respect and understanding. Being in this community shapes how you talk about your needs.

Most autistic people like words that show support needs instead of broad labels. You can help others by sharing your story and using respectful language.

Effects on Identity

Functioning labels can change how you see yourself. After a diagnosis, you might feel confused or lose confidence.

Some people find it hard to match their old ideas about autism. Over time, you may feel better by meeting other autistic people. This helps you feel less alone and gives you hope.

• Most autistic people (97%) say the word “autistic” is okay.
• Many do not use functioning labels for themselves, even if they see some value in them.
• Labels like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” often miss important parts of your identity.

Connecting with the autistic community can help your self-esteem. When you feel proud of your group, your confidence grows.

Sharing stories and learning from others helps you feel good about yourself. You can feel happier with who you are as you learn about your identity.

Your identity is special. You deserve words that respect your strengths, challenges, and experiences.

Alternatives to Labels

Describing Strengths and Challenges

You can help autistic people by using words that show their strengths and challenges. This way gives a clearer picture than using functioning labels. When you focus on support needs, you see the whole person, not just a label.

When you talk about support needs, you learn more about each person. It is important to use good tools to check what someone can do. These tools help find out how someone thinks and acts. This helps teachers and doctors make better plans for each person. It means each person gets help that fits their real needs.

You might see that words like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” do not work well. These words make things too simple.

Autistic people have many different needs and challenges. The autism spectrum is not a straight line. Each person has their own mix of things they are good at and things they find hard.

Support needs show us more about someone’s life. It is not just about how smart someone is. It is about what they need to do every day. Old ways of thinking about autism were not right. They thought autism was only about being smart or not.

Many experts say we should use words that show autism is part of natural diversity. You can use words like “neurological difference,” “challenges,” or “difficulties.” These words respect people and do not make autism sound like a sickness.

• You can talk about someone’s strengths, like solving problems or being creative.
• You can mention challenges, like getting too much sensory input or feeling nervous in social situations.
• You can talk about support needs, like needing help with talking or daily routines.

Here is a table that shows a good way to talk about strengths and challenges:

You can use these ideas to help autistic people at school, at home, or in the community. When you talk about strengths and challenges, you help others know what each person needs to do well.

Centering Autistic Voices

You have an important job in making sure autistic voices are heard. When you listen to autistic people, you show respect and help make better rules and support.

Real representation means autistic people are part of talks about their needs and rights. Using kind words shows respect. Not using therapies that try to change autism keeps people safe. Helping autistic people speak up builds strong groups.

Groups led by autistic people, like the Autistic Self Advocacy Network (ASAN), have some good ideas. Here is a table with their main tips:

When you include autistic people in making rules and choosing words, good things happen:

• You help people solve problems and be flexible.
• You help people talk and get along better.
• You make families and cultures stronger.
• You help people act kindly and feel good.
• You give autistic people more chances to learn and work.

Using words like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” does not help. These words make things too simple and miss the real needs and challenges of autistic people. The autism spectrum is not a straight line, and these labels do not show how complex people are.

You can help by listening to autistic voices and using words that show real life. When you do this, you help make the world kinder and more welcoming for everyone.

You now know functioning labels are old and can hurt people for many reasons. These labels come from old research and do not show real skills or needs. “High-functioning” and “low-functioning” can cause stigma and missed help. They can also lead to mental health problems. The words you use change how others feel and act. They also change how society treats autistic people.

When you use kind and personal words, you help others feel accepted. This can make life better for autistic people.

You can help by talking about support needs instead of using old labels. Try using words like “high-support” or “low-support.” Correct people when they use outdated words. When groups change their words, people start to think better about autism. This can also help make stronger rules and better services, as shown below:

Pick words that respect each person’s story and needs. What you say and do can help make the world nicer and more welcoming for everyone.

FAQ

What are functioning labels in autism?

You see terms like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” used to describe autistic people. These labels try to show how much support someone needs. They often miss important details about each person’s strengths and challenges.

Why do functioning labels cause harm?

You may notice that functioning labels can lead to stigma. People might ignore your real needs or strengths. These labels can lower self-esteem and make it harder for you to get the right support.

How should you describe autism instead?

You can talk about support needs, strengths, and challenges. Use words like “needs help with social skills” or “strong problem-solving skills.” This way, you show respect and give a clearer picture.

Ask autistic people how they want to be described. Listening helps you use the best language.

Do experts still use functioning labels?

Most experts now avoid functioning labels. They focus on individual support needs. You see doctors and teachers use new ways to describe autism. This helps you get better support.

Can functioning labels change over time?

Yes, your needs and abilities can change. You might need more help in some places and less in others. Labels do not show these changes, so it is better to talk about your current support needs.