One of the biggest misconceptions about autism is the idea that there are only two categories: “high-functioning” and “low-functioning.”
In reality, autism doesn’t exist on a straight line that runs from “a little autistic” to “very autistic.” It’s a spectrum, but not in the way many people imagine. It’s less like a collection of different traits, strengths, challenges, and support needs that vary from person to person.
Someone might communicate fluently but struggle immensely with sensory processing. Another person might need support with daily living tasks but experience fewer sensory challenges. Some autistic people can work full-time but need significant support maintaining a household. Others may struggle socially while excelling academically. No two autistic experiences look exactly alike.
This is why many of us, myself included, dislike functioning labels.
When someone is called “high-functioning,” their struggles are often minimized. People assume they don’t need accommodations, support, understanding, or patience because they appear capable from the outside. The effort required to maintain that appearance becomes invisible.
On the other hand, when someone is labeled “low-functioning,” their strengths, autonomy, intelligence, and individuality are often overlooked - these individuals are often infantalized. People may assume they are less capable than they truly are, limiting opportunities, and options for independence
Neither label tells you what a person actually needs.
Support needs are often a much more useful way of understanding autism. Instead of asking whether someone is “high-functioning” or “low-functioning,” it is more beneficial to ask:
What areas do they need support in?
What accommodations help them thrive?
What challenges do they face day-to-day?
Autism is not a measure of intelligence, worth, competence, or potential. It’s a neurodevelopment disability that affects people in countless different ways.
Disability is not defined by how “normal” someone appears. It is defined by the barriers that they face in a world that was not designed with them in mind.
The reality is that many autistic people don’t fit neatly into functioning labels because functioning changes. It can fluctuate based on stress, burnout, environment, physical health, available support, and many other factors. A person may appear highly independent one day and need substantial support the next. I know I do.
Autism isn’t linear. It’s not a ranking system. It isn’t a measure of how valuable, capable, or intelligent someone is.
It’s a spectrum of experiences, challenges, and support needs.
Every autistic person deserves to be respected and seen as a capable person. Often times, I don’t tell people that I am autistic because of the assumptions that people make.
