High functioning Autism and Low functioning Autism is a label in my opinion for neuro-typical people to describe to others the ability of Autistic individuals. High functioning Autistic individuals may have heard sayings such as “You don’t look Autistic”, or “I know someone with Autism and they do not speak at all, and you are nothing like them”.
Many Autistic individuals (a plethora of women un-diagnosed go unnoticed because of their ability to learn social etiquette) who can:
- Communicate well
- Clothe themselves
- Drive
- Go to work
- Join in social activities
- Do a regular grocery shop
use a lot of energy mentally and physically to get through the day holding back their self expression.
High Functioning Autistic individuals cannot be noticed unless you are familiar with Autism noticing traits and possible slight stims than usual. In a way High functioning Autistic individuals are silenced because they have a hidden disability that cannot be seen or heard in which it is hard to determine how to support something you do not understand.
Also High functioning Autistic individuals can sometimes be forgotten because they are still classed as a bit weird, different and in some circles irrelevant. Not important enough to have a say that could benefit others because of the way they decipher information and do not fit in with the norm.
What Other People Say
People with high functioning Autism while they may or may not be unusually intelligent rarely have the kind of intense motivation for public success. They may also have significant challenges which stand in the way of having a comfortable life, succeeding in work or romance, or achieving a sense of self worth. Those issues are made more challenging in part because they surprise or upset others who do not anticipate odd behaviours or reactions from people who ‘pass for normal’ in many situations.
While people with more severe Autism are not generally expected to suck it up and get through difficult moments, people on the higher end of the spectrum are expected to do just that. Lisa Jo Rudy consultant specialising in the field of Autism
Do not take misbehaviour personally. The high functioning person with Autism is not the manipulative, scheming person who is trying to make life difficult. They are seldom if ever capable of being manipulative. Usually misbehaviour is the results of efforts to survive experiences which may be confusing, disorientating or frightening. People with Autism are by virtue of their disability, egocentric. Most have the extreme difficulty of reading others.
Most high functioning people with Autism use and interpret speech literally. Until you know the capabilities of the individual you should avoid idioms, double meanings and sarcasm.
Avoid verbal overload. Be clear. People with Autism have trouble with organisational skills, regardless of their intelligence and/or age. Even a straight A student with Autism who has a photographic memory can be incapable of remembering to bring a pencil to class or of remembering a deadline for an assignment. In such cases, aid should be provided in the least restrictive way possible. Never denigrate or “Harp” at him or her if they fail. A lecture on the subject will not only NOT help, it will often make the problem worse. He or she may believe they cannot do or remember to bring these things.
Assume nothing when assessing skills. For example, the individual with autism may be a “maths whiz” in Algebra, but not be able to make simple change at a cash register.Tips for Teaching High Functioning People with Autism: By Susan Moreno and Carol O’Neal
Silent Assassin 