Yes, the term "high functioning autism" is widely considered outdated, inaccurate, and potentially harmful by many in the medical and autistic communities, as it oversimplifies the autism spectrum and can minimize real challenges, leading to reduced support, while the DSM-5 now uses support levels instead. It's better to describe specific strengths and support needs rather than using a broad, misleading label.
So, it's better to avoid terms like “low-functioning” or “high-functioning” altogether. Not only could using these terms be insulting, but they do not convey useful information about the person. Recognizing the individual with autism is generally better.
The phrase “high-functioning” doesn't have a clear definition. Dr. Wong prefers sticking with the medical terminology because it's defined in the DSM-5. “I try to educate parents so that they use the term 'level one autism' instead,” she says.
However, this label is no longer preferred in the medical and autism communities. Oversimplifies the Spectrum – Autism is a spectrum condition, and functioning labels don't capture the wide range of strengths and challenges an individual may have.
Ableism in action
'High functioning' autistics often appear to be able to function in society easier, seeming more 'normal'. But if an autistic person is labelled as high functioning their very real struggles can be dismissed.
The term was often applied to verbal autistic people of at least average intelligence. However, many in medical and autistic communities have called to stop using the term, finding it simplistic and unindicative of the difficulties some autistic people face.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
Historically, Asperger syndrome was used as a diagnostic term for some autistic people who did not also have a diagnosis of a learning disability. Broadly, it is now agreed that what was referred to as Asperger syndrome is part of the autism spectrum and there is no need for a separate term.
In 1877, British doctor John Down used the term developmental retardation to describe conditions including what would be considered autism today. Also in 1877, German doctor Adolf Kussmaul defined the condition aphasia voluntaria - when people choose not to speak.
The different types of autism include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), autistic disorder (classic autism), Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), and Rett syndrome.
Top 8 Things You Should Never Say To a Person With Autism
Many autistic people labeled “high-functioning” are actually masking their difficulties — a behavior that comes at a significant cost to their mental health. Masking can be detrimental to an individual's mental health and sense of identity – increasing risk of autistic burnout, anxiety and depression.
“Person with disabilities” or “person with autism” is an example of person-first language, versus calling someone a “disabled person” or “autistic person”.
In the autism community, many self-advocates and their allies prefer terminology such as “Autistic,” “Autistic person,” or “Autistic individual” because we understand autism as an inherent part of an individual's identity — the same way one refers to “Muslims,” “African-Americans,” “Lesbian/Gay/Bisexual/Transgender/ ...
In this case, the research indicated that there was little consistency in the way Asperger's and PDDs were applied. There was also a lack of clarity on the part of school systems and insurance companies about what Asperger's and PDDs were.
Physical Symptoms:
High-functioning autism (HFA) is a term used to describe individuals on the autism spectrum, or those diagnosed with ASD, who have average or above-average intelligence and good verbal skills but still experience challenges related to social interaction, communication, and behavior.
Additionally, inherited genetic variations contribute greatly. Research shows that both mothers and fathers can carry autism-related gene variants. Some of these are common variants that increase the risk of autism, while others are rare mutations causing more severe effects.
There have been many changes in our environment over the past three decades that may be correlated with the rising rates of autism, from air pollution and rising carbon dioxide in our atmosphere to the use of technology and cell phones.
Donald Triplett, autism's 'Case 1,' dies at 89. Triplett gained media attention for his autism later in life, and he became the face of the effort to research the lives of older adults with autism.
Chinning is a form of repetitive self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) that you may notice in children or adults with autism. It involves pressing, rubbing, or holding the chin against objects, surfaces, or even hands to gain sensory input or comfort.
There's no single "hardest" age for autism; challenges shift across developmental stages, with preschool (2-5) often tough due to noticeable differences in social/language skills, elementary (6-10) marked by growing academic/social demands, and adolescence (11-17) frequently being overwhelming due to complex social pressures, puberty, and identity formation, say Bluebell ABA Therapy and Blossom ABA Therapy. While early childhood (ages 3-6) sees initial progress for many, this often stalls around age six, a critical turning point where increased support is crucial, according to research, notes The Transmitter.
One common expression of anger in high-functioning autism is intense emotional outbursts such as tantrums, verbal aggression, and even physical aggression. These episodes can include shouting, name-calling, hitting, slapping, or destroying objects.