Why the high/low-functioning labels are harmful to autistic people

Functioning labels have been used for many years and are still used today to describe an autistic’s ability to function in society. Non-autistic people predominantly use functioning labels to describe an autistic’s ability to function in society, typically labelling them as either “high-functioning” or “low-functioning.”

I am not “high-functioning” or “low-functioning”: I am simply being

To me, it is hurtful to label someone as “low-functioning” because, traditionally, autistics who are given this label are non-verbal (unable to communicate verbally). This label dismisses the voice that these people have, and their abilities do not get recognised. Just because someone is unable to speak through conventional methods, it does not mean that they have nothing to say. Through technological advances, more and more autistics are able to use communication aids which speak the things that they put into the system. Other non-verbal autistics may use sign language or Makaton to communicate.

“High-functioning” autistics still need support

The label of “high-functioning” Autism, which I am often assigned, is also harmful. Because of being labelled as “high-functioning”, some of the challenges I face are not taken seriously, with whether I am truly struggling being called into question. The label is misleading because it implies that “high-functioning” autistics can function better than “low-functioning” autistics – this is not the case. “High-Functioning” autistics might be able to manage everyday tasks with little difficulty but struggle with sensory processing. With these autistics, their needs might not be recognised, potentially hindering them later in life if they do not receive appropriate support early on.

I used to think that both labels fell on either end of a line that represents the Autistic Spectrum. However, as I have grown my understanding of autism, I believe that this conception of it is too black and white. This reduction of autism to one label or the other fails to take our differing abilities into consideration. It does not recognise that our state of being is subject to fluctuation; there will be days or weeks when we are on top of the world, and other times, we hit rock bottom.

As a society, we like to assign labels to people and things to help us process the world around us. But when it comes to autistics, I do not believe that these “high/low-functioning” labels are in any way helpful.

An alternative to functioning labels

So, you might be wondering: “instead of functioning labels, what could I use when speaking or supporting autistic people?”. Well, you could simply say the person’s abilities and the things that they may need support with in a concise way. Applying this to myself, I would say “I am able to communicate verbally and I can do most things with little to no support. I may need help when it comes to crowds or loud places, as well as more time to process my surroundings.” That gives you a very brief idea of what my abilities are and the areas in which I might need assistance.  It also does not have the expectation of never needing any support that the “high-functioning” label suggests.

Ultimately, all autistics have different areas in which we thrive and times when we need more support. I am not “high-functioning” or “low-functioning”: I am simply being.

Andy is a 26-year-old YouTuber who creates autism-related content using his own experience and knowledge. His YouTube channel is IndieAndy.

Andy Burns

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