Knowra High-functioning autism High-functioning autism High-functioning autism is an informal label for autism associated with average or above-average intellectual ability and comparatively low support needs. It is not a formal diagnostic category and can obscure substantial differences in support needs.
Autism spectrum disorder : A neurodevelopmental condition involving persistent differences in social communication and interaction, alongside restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. Formal diagnosis uses this broad category rather than high-functioning autism.
Autism : A neurodevelopmental condition characterized by differences in social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. The informal label applies to some autistic people, not to a distinct condition.
Reasonable accommodation : A legally required adjustment that enables a disabled person to access work, education, services, or public life. A low-functioning impression should not determine whether an autistic person receives needed adjustments.
DSM-5 : The fifth edition of the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, published in 2013. Its autism criteria combined several earlier diagnoses into autism spectrum disorder.
Identity-first language : Language that identifies someone as autistic rather than as a person with autism. Many autistic people who reject functioning labels also prefer identity-first language.
Asperger syndrome : A former diagnostic category for autistic people without clinically significant language or intellectual delay. It has often been used similarly, though it is no longer a separate diagnosis in major manuals.
Intelligence quotient : A standardized score estimating performance on selected cognitive tasks relative to an age-based reference group. The label commonly invokes average or above-average measured intellectual ability.
Autistic burnout : A prolonged state of exhaustion, reduced functioning, and increased support needs associated with chronic stress and unmet autistic needs. Burnout can expose support needs hidden by an appearance of high functioning.
ICD-11 : The World Health Organization’s eleventh revision of the International Classification of Diseases. It uses autism spectrum disorder as a formal diagnosis, not high-functioning autism.
Person-first language : Language that places a person before a condition, as in “person with autism.” Preferences vary; some people favor this wording while others see autism as integral to identity.
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