Despite advancements in understanding, misconceptions about autism persist that are restricting the autistic community from receiving empathy and support. Autism spectrum conditions are neurological differences that affect every autistic individual uniquely. A key message we communicate in our training is “If you’ve met one neurodivergent person, you’ve only met one neurodivergent person.” A point we cannot emphasise enough.

What Does High and Low Functioning Mean?

The terms “high and low functioning” are commonly used to describe Autistic people, however, Autism exists across a much broader spectrum which these labels ultimately dismiss. 

“High functioning” typically refers to individuals who can navigate daily life such as getting to work, completing daily chores, or maintaining relationships with minimal support. They may excel in certain areas such as academics or employment, making their Autism harder to spot in a neurotypical world. On the other hand, “low functioning” is often used to refer to individuals who require assistance in several areas of life, such as daily self-care, communication, or integrating themselves into wider society. 

Functioning labels are not a diagnostic tool, and are now being firmly rejected by the Autistic community because they can lead to harmful generalisations and misconceptions. Labelling someone as low functioning may result in the individual being treated as though they cannot make decisions for themselves. They may be told they cannot achieve certain levels of success, or be stripped of their right to autonomy because their peers or caregivers insist on making decisions for them. 

On the other side of the same coin, someone labelled as high functioning may be experiencing extreme sensory overstimulation and be on the verge of a meltdown, yet receive no support in that moment because people wouldn’t know they need it. They may even face backlash or criticism from those around them if they do express their discomfort because their peers are used to seeing them go through day-to-day life without support.

High and low functioning labels do not take into account the fluidity and variability of autistic traits and do a poor job of depicting the reality of how Autism may manifest itself in everyday life. Experiences such as an overwhelming flood of emotions in response to a badly received but well-intentioned statement, or a sudden unexpected change to plans can cause the same level of intense distress for two Autistic individuals. One may express these feelings outwardly, whilst the other processes them internally, but the discomfort remains the same. 

We cannot judge the severity of an individual’s experiences according to their reaction or coping methods, which is where functioning labels continue to let us down. Labels feed into the narrative that you can be “less” or “more” Autistic, which couldn’t be further from reality. Autism does not exist on a linear scale but takes closer resemblance to an intricate web that makes up a much broader spectrum (as detailed in the image below).

Someone could be good at communicating at home, yet struggle to communicate in public settings. Another may be great with maintaining high productivity at work, appearing as the perfect employee, but the stamina this requires leaves them stripped of energy and forced to spend hours, perhaps days alone decompressing. Labels do not allow for this nuance and complexity, nor does it take into account intersectionality, where race, class, or culture may shape the way an Autistic person operates and expresses themselves.

What Language Should I Use When Talking About Autism?

Using the correct language to describe autism is paramount as it shapes societal perceptions and attitudes towards autistic individuals. When outdated or inaccurate terms like “high functioning” and “low functioning” are used, they perpetuate harmful stereotypes and hinder the understanding of autism’s aforementioned complexity. 

By employing precise and respectful language such as “high support needs” or “low support needs”, we acknowledge the individual behind the neurodivergence. Moreover, using accurate language encourages meaningful dialogue and promotes advocacy for the rights and needs of autistic individuals, ultimately leading to more supportive and equitable environments.

How Can Employers Better Support Their Autistic Employees? 

Employers play a crucial role in fostering supportive workplaces for autistic employees. Beyond using the right language, it’s essential to cultivate environments where individuals can thrive. 

It’s important to remember that every autistic person is different and will have a unique set of support needs that may change depending on the environment, workload, or other external factors.

Recognising the complexities of Autism and the toll it takes on individuals within the workplace is paramount. Employers should prioritise open communication and regular check-ins with employees to identify changing support needs. Listening to your employees and implementing reasonable adjustments to accommodate those needs where possible will make a huge difference. 

To learn more about how you can support your employees, review our training packages and send an enquiry through to the Enna team.

Understanding autism spectrum conditions requires a shift in both perception and language. The labels “high-functioning” and “low-functioning” perpetuate misconceptions and fail to capture the diverse experiences and support needs of autistic individuals. By rejecting these labels and embracing a more nuanced understanding of the autism spectrum, we can create more inclusive environments where all individuals are valued and supported.

Ultimately, supporting autistic individuals in the workplace requires a commitment to understanding, flexibility, and empathy. By embracing neurodiversity and advocating for inclusive practices, we can create environments where all individuals, regardless of their neurodivergence, can succeed and thrive. Let’s work together to build a more inclusive and supportive future for everyone.