high-functioning autism
Masked developmental difference
High-functioning autism describes people on the autism spectrum who have average or above-average intelligence and can manage daily activities independently, though they may struggle with social interaction, sensory sensitivities, or rigid thinking patterns.
The term is informal and increasingly disfavored by clinicians and autistic people themselves, who prefer "autism spectrum disorder" or simply "autistic" without functioning labels.
Critics argue the label obscures real challenges by implying someone doesn't need support: She's high-functioning, so people assume she's fine, but crowds exhaust her.
Concealing by covering
- camouflagingConcealing by blending in
- eye contactDirect visual connection
- social cuesIndicators of interpersonal meaning
- pragmaticsLanguage-in-context study
theory of mind · nonverbal communication · facial expressions · turn-taking · conversation · social scripts · small talk · friendship
Groups seeking policy influence
- hyperfocusIntense prolonged single-task concentration
- pattern recognitionIdentifying regularities in inputs
- systemizingCreating orderly structures
- detail-orientedFocused on small elements
analytical · hyperlexia · memory · logical thinking · literal thinking · intense focus · visual thinking · categorization
Brain interpreting incoming stimuli
- overstimulationExcessive sensory input
- hypersensitivityExaggerated response to stimuli
- hyposensitivityDecreased reaction to stimuli
- stimmingRepetitive self-regulatory behavior
sensory overload · meltdown · shutdown · light sensitivity · proprioception · weighted blanket · headphones · fidgets
Autism without speech delay
- neurodivergentHaving atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
- disability rightsProtections for impaired individuals
acceptance · inclusion · strengths-based · twice-exceptional · disclosure · masking · passing · peer support
Curative mental treatment
- occupational therapyRestoring practical life abilities
- speech therapyTreatment for communication disorders
- social skills trainingStructured interpersonal competence development
- workplace accommodationJob modification for disability
IEP · 504 plan · disclosure · mentoring · routine · predictability · clear expectations · burnout prevention
masking
Concealing by covering
- camouflagingConcealing by blending in
- eye contactDirect visual connection
- social cuesIndicators of interpersonal meaning
pragmatics · theory of mind · nonverbal communication · facial expressions · turn-taking · conversation · social scripts · small talk · friendship · reciprocity
special interests
Groups seeking policy influence
- hyperfocusIntense prolonged single-task concentration
- pattern recognitionIdentifying regularities in inputs
- systemizingCreating orderly structures
detail-oriented · analytical · hyperlexia · memory · logical thinking · literal thinking · intense focus · visual thinking · categorization · expertise
sensory processing
Brain interpreting incoming stimuli
- overstimulationExcessive sensory input
- hypersensitivityExaggerated response to stimuli
- hyposensitivityDecreased reaction to stimuli
stimming · sensory overload · meltdown · shutdown · light sensitivity · proprioception · weighted blanket · headphones · fidgets · decompression
Asperger's
Autism without speech delay
- neurodivergentHaving atypical brain function
- neurotypicalStandard cognitive wiring
- self-advocacyPromoting one's own interests
disability rights · acceptance · inclusion · strengths-based · twice-exceptional · disclosure · masking · passing · peer support · inclusive education
therapy
Curative mental treatment
- occupational therapyRestoring practical life abilities
- speech therapyTreatment for communication disorders
- social skills trainingStructured interpersonal competence development
workplace accommodation · IEP · 504 plan · disclosure · mentoring · routine · predictability · clear expectations · burnout prevention · self-care
high-functioning autismnonverbal autism
Neurodevelopmental condition without speech
high, higher, highest, highly, highness, function, functions, functional, functionally