High-functioning Autism? Low-functioning Autism?

When it comes to Autism, we may hear, is he/she high functioning/low functioning? It seems like Autism has been categorized into 2 parties, Have you heard of them? What do they mean? Is it wise to define our children as high functioning or low functioning? These terms were more commonly adapted years ago. frankly, I have never heard it until a few days ago during a conversation with a speech pathologist. I was surprised how it was rarely mentioned in school.

Origin:

High functioning and low functioning autism originate from a primitive diagnosis framework - DSM-IV. The framework separates Autism, Asperger's syndrome and other neurodevetlopmental disorders. The current diagnosis framework of Autism Spectrum Disorder is called DSM-5.

What do they mean respectively?

*Definitions are based on the assumption that the higher the IQ the higher the intellectual ability.

High functioning autism:

an autism population with the high intellectual ability (IQ 80 or above)

better ability in reading, writing, speaking, and managing life skills.

often referred to as mild autism spectrum disorder.

Low functioning autism:

the autism population with a low intellectual ability (IQ 69 or below)

more difficulties in reading, writing, and speaking

often referred to severe autism spectrum disorder.

Are they Clinical Diagnoses?

As new studies reveal, high functioning and low functioning autism are not recommended to be used professionally due to inaccuracy. A study done by Alvares (2019) shows that the population with a lower IQ did demonstrate disability in everyday life. Yet for another population considered as high functioning, despite a higher IQ, they still experience significant everyday challenges. the assumption of high IQ= high intelligibility is debunked. It is also noted that evaluating one's intelligibility based solely on their IQ creates stigma such as denying access to help to the so-called high functioning population who in fact needs more assistance.

The Current Diagnosis:

DSM-5, released in 2013, considers Autism Spectrum Disorder as a general term with 3 levels of severity, mild, moderate, and severe based on levels of assistance needed. Under the new framework, Asperger syndrome, autistic disorder and other neurodevelopmental disorders are put under the umbrella term - Autism Spectrum Disorder.

It is noted that DSM-5 may still not be the perfect method in diagnosis due to variability in demand for assistance in a different context. We will not dig deep on this topic, but please let me know you are interested in it for future publications!

Bottom line: In regards to the latest diagnosis framework, use Autism Spectrum Disorder, and avoid using the terms high functioning and low functioning autism as they are inaccurate and outdated. They are not formal clinical terms.

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Hope you have all found this blog post useful and have learned more about Autism Spectrum Disorder. Again, Autism is a big scope of area to learn from. The symptoms and signs are often so diverse and thus making diagnosis a fascinating thing to do. Feel free to let me know any topics you are interested in exploring.

Have a great day and don't forget to smile!

Joyce Lau