Editing Functioning labels
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'''High-''' and '''low-functioning''' labels are an outdated form of classification of | '''High-''' and '''low-functioning''' labels are an outdated form of classification of autism in individuals. | ||
It was first used to describe the presence of intellectual disabilities (IQ), but has since, in the mainstream, been a term to describe how much a person's autism corresponds to the | It was first used to describe the presence of intellectual disabilities (IQ), but has since, in the mainstream, been a term to describe how much a person's autism corresponds to the stereotypical idea of an autistic person (non-verbal, heavy usage of [[stimming]] and lack of [[masking]]). | ||
Of course, these terms (and the idea of autism existing on one-dimensional line from 'less' to 'more' autistic) are an artifact of autism research and labelling done by [[ | Of course, these terms (and the idea of autism existing on one-dimensional line from 'less' to 'more' autistic) are an artifact of autism research and labelling done by [[allism|allistics]], with a focus on how well autistic people can fit into their standards (and, in general, how "palatable" they are), instead of accurately describing their experiences of being autistic. | ||
For that reason, both terms are seen in a bad light by some autistic communities, and have been discontinued. | For that reason, both terms are seen in a bad light by some autistic communities, and have been discontinued. | ||
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The issue mainly consists of a dismissal of the autistic person's struggles. | The issue mainly consists of a dismissal of the autistic person's struggles. | ||
People labelled 'high functioning' have an ability to behave "[[ | People labelled 'high functioning' have an ability to behave "[[neurotypical]] enough," thus "can function within society." However, it doesn't account for invisible struggles the person doesn't let out, and the extreme consequences that come from intensive [[masking]]. | ||
This kind of expression of autism is often called [[Asperger syndrome]] (AS), a term that has been discontinued for medical diagnosis, but might still be seen around in places that haven't catched up to the latest autism research yet. | This kind of expression of autism is often called [[Asperger syndrome]] (AS), a term that has been discontinued for medical diagnosis, but might still be seen around in places that haven't catched up to the latest autism research yet. | ||
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Whenever intending to talk about an autistic person's functions, use specifics. | Whenever intending to talk about an autistic person's functions, use specifics. | ||
== See also == | == See also == | ||
* [[Deficit model]] | * [[Deficit model]] | ||