High Functioning, Low Functioning, Severe, Mild and Labels for Autism

Is it wrong to describe a person with autism as high or low functioning? What about being severe or mild on the spectrum?

I have encountered a number of people recently who find all such labels to be offensive, even describing it as "ableism."

What do we need to know about these labels? First, we should acknowledge that some are offended by the labels and so we should be careful how we use them and with who.

Personally, I'm not crazy about the high functioning and low functioning labels. Functioning in what way? What activities are measured to determine how well a person is functioning? I have used these labels but I intend to avoid them in the future.

But what about severe and mild? It is true that autism is a spectrum. That is why it is called the Autism Spectrum Disorder. It is also true that people are on different points along that spectrum. Two of my children are on the severe end. They are nonverbal and live in a group home. Their autism affects them in some pretty significant ways.

I am also on the spectrum and am considered mild. While I definitely have autism (what would have once been called Asperger's), many people do not notice my autism and perhaps even reject my diagnosis.

As a person with autism, I'm fine with the labels of severe and mild. I find them helpful in describing contexts. They are not meant as restrictions. My son is better at some things than me and that will continue as he grows older.

Ultimately, it is our job to be sensitive to the needs and feelings of the people around us. At the same time, we shouldn't be so politically correct that we no longer can describe anything.

Mild Autism Can Be More Challenging Than Severe Autism

We find that some people have more sympathy for us because our children are on the severe end of the spectrum. And if there is one thing you should know about autism, it is that it is a spectrum. People with autism can range from being intellectually impaired to being intellectually gifted. Because of the language challenges that often go along with autism, it is sometimes difficult to know where they are on the spectrum.

While there is some question about our son, it seems clear that our daughter is cognitively delayed. She is 13 years old but probably operates around a 4 year old level. However, when people offer their sympathy, I tell them not to bother. Abby is pretty happy the way she is. She either doesn't know or doesn't care that she is different. She is comfortable with who she is and she just enjoys life the way it is.

It is often more challenging for people with mild autism. While people with mild autism are more likely to get a post-secondary education, a job and start a family, they are also more aware that they are different. People with mild autism are more likely to suffer from mental health issues because they are faced with the daily reminder that they don't fit in (or that's how it may feel). This can wear on a person's mental health.

People with severe autism, may or may not be aware of the differences between themselves and those who are neurotypical.

This may not always be the case, but be aware that being more severe on the spectrum does not necessarily mean it is more difficult for the individual (even if it might be for the family).