Mar 06 2025 14 mins 1
"But they seem so high-functioning…"
That one phrase has left countless Autistic individuals without the support they desperately need.
Meanwhile, those labeled “low-functioning” often have their autonomy dismissed before they even get a chance to show what they’re capable of.
These labels? They don’t help—they harm.
They misrepresent abilities, erase real struggles, and hold back progress in education, therapy, and everyday life.
On this episode of Making the Shift, we’re talking why it's time to ditch the functioning labels and shift to a more accurate, affirming way of talking about autism.
We're diving into:
✔️ The biggest misconceptions about "high-" and "low-functioning" labels.
✔️ How these labels affect everything from accommodations to autonomy.
✔️ Why autism is a spiky profile, not a straight line from mild to severe.
✔️ A more affirming way to describe support needs—without limiting anyone’s potential.
✔️ And more!
If you're a professional and want to learn more, join us in the NeuroAffirm Therapy Academy: https://www.sensoryslp.com/neuroaffirm-therapy-academy
