high functioning
Performing at capacity
High functioning describes someone who manages daily life competently despite a condition that might suggest otherwise—mental illness, autism, addiction.
A high-functioning alcoholic holds down a job while drinking heavily.
The term is sometimes criticized for obscuring real struggles or implying that needing support means low functioning.
It appears most often in clinical and self-help contexts.
Sufficiently able, qualified
- capableHaving required skills
- skilledHaving learned ability
- proficientHaving practiced ability
- adeptHighly capable, well-versed
accomplished · effective · productive · reliable · consistent · organized · systematic · methodical
Neurodevelopmental processing difference
- autisticHaving a developmental neurotype
- Asperger'sAutism without speech delay
- maskingConcealing by covering
- passingMoving by or temporary
spectrum · neurodivergent · diagnosis · camouflaging · compensating · undiagnosed · support needs · accommodation
Free from external control
- self-sufficientAble to provide independently
- self-reliantAble to provide independently
- self-directedManaging oneself without supervision
- empoweredGiven power to act
autonomous · adaptive · resilient · coping · thriving · managing · maintaining · sustaining
competent
Sufficiently able, qualified
- capableHaving required skills
- skilledHaving learned ability
- proficientHaving practiced ability
adept · accomplished · effective · productive · reliable · consistent · organized · systematic · methodical · efficient
autism
Neurodevelopmental processing difference
- autisticHaving a developmental neurotype
- Asperger'sAutism without speech delay
- maskingConcealing by covering
passing · spectrum · neurodivergent · diagnosis · camouflaging · compensating · undiagnosed · support needs · accommodation · disclosure
independent
Free from external control
- self-sufficientAble to provide independently
- self-reliantAble to provide independently
- self-directedManaging oneself without supervision
empowered · autonomous · adaptive · resilient · coping · thriving · managing · maintaining · sustaining · regulated
- functional statusimpaired, independent, dependent, disabled, able-bodied
- Neurodiversityautism spectrum, ASD, neurodivergence, neurotypical, spectrum
high functioningincapacitated
Made unable to act
nonfunctional · non-functional · debilitated · dependent · institutionalized
high, higher, highest, highly, highness, function, functions, functioning, functional