Understanding High Functioning Autism: What You Need to Know

Hey everyone, welcome back to The Aspy World! I'm Dan, and today we're diving into a topic that's often misunderstood: high functioning autism. But before we get into it, let's clear up a few things. If you're interested in autism life hacks and tips, be sure to grab my free Autism Life Hacks PDF book at autismlifehacks.net. The link is in the description below. Alright, let's get started! What is High Functioning Autism? High functioning autism is a term that has been widely used in the past to describe individuals on the autism spectrum who exhibit strong verbal skills, cognitive abilities, and the ability to function relatively independently in daily life. However, it's important to note that this term has fallen out of favor in recent years due to its potential to oversimplify and misrepresent the diverse experiences and needs within the autism community. Why the Term "High Functioning Autism" is Problematic The term "high functioning autism" was originally used to differentiate individuals who could manage daily tasks and social interactions more independently from those who required more substantial support. However, this classification has been criticized for several reasons: 1. Oversimplification: Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it affects individuals in varying degrees. Using labels like "high functioning" and "low functioning" can oversimplify the complexities of autism and fail to capture the full range of challenges and strengths individuals may experience. 2. Stigmatization: Labeling someone as "high functioning" can create a hierarchy that inadvertently stigmatizes those who may require more support. It can imply that their challenges are less significant or worthy of attention, which is not the case. 3. Inaccuracy: Functioning levels can vary widely across different domains of life. For example, an individual may excel academically but struggle with sensory sensitivities or social interactions. Therefore, a single label like "high functioning" may not accurately reflect their overall experience or support needs. Transition to Support Needs Model In recent years, there has been a shift towards a more nuanced understanding of autism that focuses on individual support needs rather than functioning labels. Terms like "support needs" are now preferred because they emphasize the importance of providing tailored support based on each person's unique strengths and challenges. Historical Context of Asperger Syndrome Asperger syndrome, named after Hans Asperger, was once used as a diagnosis for individuals who exhibited traits of high functioning autism. It was characterized by normal to above-average intelligence and the absence of language delays. However, with changes in diagnostic criteria, Asperger syndrome was folded into the broader category of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in the DSM-5 in 2013. Moving Forward: Embracing Neurodiversity Today, the emphasis is on recognizing and celebrating neurodiversity—the idea that neurological differences, including autism, are natural variations of the human brain. Instead of focusing on labels that may carry stigma or misrepresentation, we should strive to understand and accommodate the unique needs of each individual on the autism spectrum. Conclusion In conclusion, while "high functioning autism" may have been a term used in the past, it's essential to recognize its limitations and the potential harm it can cause. Moving forward, let's use language that respects and acknowledges the diversity of experiences within the autism community. If you've found this information helpful or have insights to share about high functioning autism, drop a comment below—I read and respond to every single one. Don't forget to hit the thumbs up if you enjoyed this discussion and subscribe for more videos on autism, ADHD, OCD, and dyslexia. Thanks for watching, and I'll see you in the next one! Peace Video : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aUAgtdEl5Wg&t=143s Hashtags : https://theaspieworld.com/understanding-high-functioning-autism-what-you-need-to-know-2/?feed_id=4305&_unique_id=682f2147e5e91

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