#function labels

I personally don't like the term, as it's typically used to dismiss our needs, and has made headway for people after hearing i have "high functioning" autism to just say i'm using excuses, or i'm not actually autistic because i'm "high functioning" i also don't feel like i'm high functioning either, i feel very lost and confused about everything, and haven't been able to get the help i need because i'm so "high functioning" in others' eyes.

So yeah, do other people also dislike the term high-functioning? And would they be be willing to explain why they dislike it, or even why they don't dislike it?

Also, if you answer this, thank you very much, i'm often very confused and like hearing others' thoughts on things

Hi there,

I absolutely hate the term “high” and “low” functioning. Like…wtf does that even mean? How well you can function in society? That’s fucked to me.

There’s a level system now.

I have mixed feelings about the level system, but it’s so much better than those functioning labels.

My followers can provide their own opinions if they’d like.

If an autistic child is non-verbal, you say they’re non-verbal, not “severely autistic”

Sincerely,

I have what is considered a social and communication disability. My chosen career requires me to be social and communicate effectively with people on a daily basis. It is incredibly draining, so I have to be mindfull of self-care, which I am not particularly good at, especially as a single mom.

I do what I do, because I was born to be a teacher. It is all I have ever wanted to be since I was seven years old.

After people learn that I am autistic and a teacher, I am either told that I don't "look" autistic or asked how I do what I do considering my disability.

First off, I am textbook autistic. Whether or not I present as a stereotypical preconceived version of an autistic person in front of you is irrelevant. What I present out is someone who can function, but who is also highly impaired.

What people typically see is my professional imagine that I do my best to maintain at a great cost. My professionalism is very important to me, so much of my limited energy reserves are directed to maintaining it.

At home it is a different story. This week has been particularly stressful, busy, and draining. Getting out of bed is difficult. I have not been feeling rested after sleeping. I have found myself slapping my face multiple times a day in private and stimming various cuss words also in private in an attempt to keep my overloaded brain from eating me up alive with anxiety and mental and physical exhaustion. There is that highly impaired part.

I do what I do, because it is my calling. I love what I do and I am good at it.

How do I do it?