Functioning Labels

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[Image description: A rainbow gradient that is labeled "more autistic" on one end and "less autistic" on the other. There is a red X next to it. Below it is a rainbow colored wheel that reads "language", "motor skills", "sensory", "perception", and "executive function". There is text in the corner that reads "Circular spectrum by Rebecca Burgess. Montage @sciencebase.]

Functioning labels are used to describe how well an autistic person can function in society. There have been lots of harmful implications that have come from the use of them. The most common functioning labels for autism are high-functioning and low-functioning, often abbreviated to HFA and LFA respectively.  People also vary greatly in how well they can function in society as an autistic person from day to day and depending on the context. They are simply not accurate. Another problem with functioning labels is their similarity to the hierarchy institutions used to "grade" someone's mental development based on their IQ.  Another common functioning label is Asperger's Syndrome, which has historically been used to separate the HFAs from the LFAs, and this has even been done within autistic spaces. This concept is known as Aspie Supremacy. Other functioning labels for autism include mild, moderate, severe, and the levels of autism that are in the DSM-V. 

While a lot of what can be found on here uses functioning labels, there are also plenty of critiques of the use of functioning labels. It is still something the Neurodiversity Movement struggles with. Aspie Supremacy is very much still an issue that needs to be combatted. I may add a separate category for it eventually. For now, you can find writings that critique functioning labels here.

Angry Aspies, Please Go Away by Bev Harp

The Problems with Functioning Labels by Finn Gardiner

How to Differentiate between Autism and Asperger’s Once and for All by Mel Baggs

Defining Autistic Lives by Cal Montgomery

What's the difference? Exploring the boundaries of AS and autism by Frank Klein

More Problems with Functioning Labels by Amy Sequenzia

Defining Autistic Lives by Cal Montgomery

The Autism Spectrum is Not Binary by Cassie Crosman

I Am Joe's Functioning Label by Bev Harp

Am I High or Low Functioning? By Anonymous

Advantages to Being a High-Functioning Autistic by Vanessa Sodd

Diary of a Dad up against the 4 'D's by Tom Bradley

You don't speak for low-functioning autistics-Lysik'an

Grading People