Why High-Functioning Autism is a Misleading Label

Earlier this year, I received a really insightful message from a blog reader pointing out how the term “high-functioning” can be misleading when describing autistic individuals. His argument – that it implies a level of overall ability that doesn’t reflect reality – is incredibly compelling. He proposes “uneven” as a much more accurate descriptor, highlighting the common autistic experience of having exceptional strengths in some areas alongside significant difficulties in others. It’s a nuanced perspective that avoids downplaying the everyday challenges we face, and I think they’re spot on.

Thank You – A Clearer Explanation

Thank you so much for your email – it was well written and argued! Working as a public speaker about autism, I often get asked why many autistic people dislike the label “high-functioning,” and while I’ve tried to explain it myself, your explanation was so much clearer and more thorough. I’ll definitely be incorporating it into my future presentations, emphasizing that “uneven” is a far more accurate way to describe the autistic profile. Thanks again!

How I Used to Talk About It

I was diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome in the early 2000s – that was the terminology used at the time – and was told it was essentially the same as high-functioning autism. Back then, I’d recently moved to Sweden and wasn’t particularly focused on the precise meaning of terms. I tended to just pick up the language from native speakers, and because many Swedes referred to Asperger’s as high-functioning autism, I did the same for a while. It wasn’t until I came across articles questioning the term that I realized it could be problematic, potentially leading people to assume those with Asperger’s/Autism Level 1 wouldn’t struggle.

Shifting to “Uneven”

I started using phrases like “autistic individuals who are perceived as high-functioning” – to make sure I was acknowledging that all autistic people face challenges – instead of saying “high-functioning” outright, though I’ll admit I probably still slipped up occasionally. But after reading your email, I’m committed to using “uneven” consistently, and to explaining that even those who seem high-functioning actually have a very uneven distribution of strengths and weaknesses.

It’s Not the Same as Level 3

I’ve had discussions about “high-functioning” with neurotypical people, and some who’ve worked with individuals with Autism Level 3 have pointed out that they’ll naturally see those of us with Level 1 as “high-functioning” in comparison. They explain that someone requiring round-the-clock care has such significant difficulties, it’s a completely different experience from being able to travel, live, shop, and manage personal care independently – even if that independence isn’t always effortless. I understand that point, and absolutely agree that living with Autism Level 1 isn’t the same as living with Level 3. But it’s still crucial to remember that all autistic individuals encounter challenges.

I Embrace the Term

That’s why I wholeheartedly agree with you, and in the future I’ll say that some people on the autism spectrum are simply more uneven than others. Just because an autistic person can write a doctoral dissertation doesn’t mean they inherently know how to clean a refrigerator. And just because someone can spend hours passionately immersed in their special interest doesn’t mean they can navigate public transport. That very unevenness is often why accommodations and support are overlooked. I remember wishing, as a child and teenager, that I hadn’t learned to read and write so early, because then perhaps people wouldn’t have expected so much more of me.

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