#low functioning autism

[five-thousand-loaves-of-bread]

always interested in autism community history n archive… especially high support needs / severe / low functioning / etc self identifier part of community history. we always been here we always will be n this include high support needs & severe & etc people. even back when resources n aids n techs n therapies n knowledge not as good as today we still there.

anyways. when do some searching, found old blog of person in UK with (to use word used call self) severe autism & mild intellectual disability & severe challenging behaviors & epilepsy causing todd’s paralysis n wheelchair user. unfortunately last blog update 2014, n hope doing alright, n it hard see when first ever blog. but. at least 28 by then, n been on Wrong Planet (older autism forum website that.. has its issues) since 2003.

it nice see “elders” of community talk about much of similar thing as we are today. we not so different. n it sad see it too. not much changed.

“the challenges of severe autism;low mental capacity with rigid thinking”

“the challenges of severe autism;needing behavior friendly furniture”

“being LFA and against the idea of personaly having a 'cure'”

“a communication barrier of severe autism; pain”

“the use of retard,and what intelectual disability is all about”

“the imbalance of respect in the autistic community”

“the consequences of poor restraining”

wrong planet for those who like archive.. can’t look through it personally bc no account

[there be outdated language. it 2014. n also disabled ppl allow call self whatever they want including severely disabled severely low functioning people. know people who call self that now. if you so hung up on “right language” you refuse bear through your own discomfort to read through people actually living it then assume you part of problem.]

[clown-around-and-find-out]

everyone is all about autism acceptance until they meet an autistic they can't infantilize

[psychiatricwarfare]

autism is so fucking hated, you arent allowed to be high functioning because youre "faking it", you arent allowed to be low functioning because youre "faking it" and all of us are expected to just try harder and "stop acting stupid" (which is extra insidious when intellectual disabilities are so commonly comorbid with autism)

oh you need some help with getting things done? grow up

oh you need someone to remind you to shower/take meds/etc? grow up

oh youre nonverbal/nonspeaking or lose speech at times? just Talk

oh you Cant Eat unless its This Specific Food? grow up

oh you dont understand when something is dangerous? stop being stupid

oh you need lots of help with bADLs? youre a leech. do it yourself

oh you need a caregiver in order to keep yourself alive? youre so dramatic, everyone else manages just fine without one, why cant you?

oh you can get around for the most part in day-to-day life but need extra support in some areas? youre just exaggerating, youre not really autistic

autistic people are literally never allowed to just exist in society. we are always expected to prove something, whether thats being autistic or being human beings that deserve respect

youre either not autistic enough or too autistic for allistics and its really fucking annoying. autism is a real disability and those of us who are autistic live with it every single day. it can be extremely disabling or it can be a bit of a nuisance or it could be both or somwhere in between or fluctuate depending on the day

stop shaming autistic people for being autistic in a way you dont like or arent used to seeing. that goes for everyone, other autistic people included

[midwestemokilledmygrandma]

me personally (guy with level 1 autism) do not care at all whether people use person first language (person with autism/you have autism) or identity first language (autistic person/you are autistic) to describe me specifically, I normally use identity first to describe myself bcs ik that's what a lot of my autistic peers prefer but on a personal level I do srsly not gaf

so I just thought I'd do a poll to see what ppls views were on the language used to describe them. if u see this pls rb bcs I want a wider variety of answers

just for the sake of clarity (and I don't necessarily agree w these descriptions language wise but it is what it is)

level 1 autism - lower support needs, higher functioning

level 2 autism - medium support needs, medium functioning

level 3 autism - higher support needs, lower functioning

obviously it is a spectrum tho

[spooksforsammy]

Saw really wrong statement so need get out.

Low functioning autistics do exist. High functioning autistics exist too. It an identify, and for some a diagnosis. You might not like term, or want used on self, but to say no one is functioning label is wrong.

Know others who call self low functioning n know some who use high functioning. Know some who use severe autism and special needs. Know some who hate those and only use autism/ support labels. That’s fine! It’s how identify self.

No the world shouldn’t determine worth based off how much can do. But some of us have accepted not able do much for society. Accepted fact can’t function how society wants. That ok.

Please don’t say (low/ high) functioning autistics don’t exist. Because then forget n block out so many of use that do exist

[frat-now]

Low-Functioning Autism: Definition, Therapies, Comorbidities & FAQs

Introduction: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental condition that manifests differently in each individual, leading to a diverse range of strengths and challenges. The terms "low-functioning" and "high-functioning" autism, while commonly used, can be misleading and stigmatizing. It's important to understand that these terms lack official medical recognition within the current diagnostic framework.

Understanding "Low-Functioning" Autism: The term "low-functioning autism" is not an official medical diagnosis, but it is often used colloquially to describe individuals with ASD who face significant challenges in communication, social interaction, and behavior. However, this term is considered outdated and misleading due to its potential to oversimplify and stigmatize the diverse experiences of individuals on the autism spectrum.

Symptoms and Therapies: Individuals with severe autism may exhibit a range of symptoms, including severe language deficits, sensory challenges, repetitive behaviors, and behavioral problems. Therapeutic interventions, such as Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC), speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, sensory integration therapy, and Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), can be tailored to address specific needs.

Comorbid Conditions: Children with severe autism may have comorbid conditions, including skin allergies, asthma, food allergies, ear infections, headaches, gastrointestinal problems, and sleep disorders. Some genetic and neurological disorders are also more prevalent in individuals with ASD.

Importance of Early Intervention: Early intervention is crucial for individuals with low-functioning autism, offering significant improvements in communication, social interaction, and behavior. Early support empowers both individuals and their caregivers to navigate challenges effectively.

Managing Challenging Behaviors: Challenging behaviors in individuals with low-functioning autism require careful management. Identifying triggers, using visual supports, addressing sensory needs, reinforcing positive behavior, and implementing comprehensive behavior plans are key strategies.

Support for Families and Caregivers: Families and caregivers play a vital role in the well-being of individuals with low-functioning autism. Respite care and support groups provide avenues for relaxation, rejuvenation, and connection with others facing similar challenges.

[pixierainbows]

30daysofautismacceptance

April 16th: Is loneliness or a sense of isolation something you either currently or in the past struggled with? Is it related to being autistic? What types of things helped you deal with it?

It can get very very isolating , yes . especially with how so many level 1 / low support needs / high functioning / verbal autism people , people in autism community , in own community , what should understand , still reject higher support needs autism people like Pixie .

Pixie grateful to be the kind of autism not feel strong need for community and relationships . AND . that Pixies guardians make sure Pixie have enough social activities with both other disabled and not disabled people .

[spacefaringamoeba]

I hate that I'm considered "high functioning". I barely qualify for any "level" of disability in my country and I will never get a disability income. Yes. I'm able to go to work. But I will not be able to hold it for more than a few months before getting burned out and having daily meltdowns. No, having 10 minutes extra work break won't help me. Neither will wearing headphones or carrying fidgets. I'm literally not able to work 40h a week without severe negative consequences... How do i fucking exist in this society!

[chiropire]

A sentiment I see sometimes, mostly in the high masking level 1 LSN autistic community, is the disdain for all labels about how impaired you are, especially the autism levels and support needs.

A lot of what I see is people saying they're bad, there's no need for them and that they have no use, that they're basically functioning labels and ableist, that we shouldn't be comparing ourselves and each other, and that they somehow don't include high masking people.

None of these things are true, they ignore the fact that often these labels are self-identifiers, and honestly, I think when having discussions on terminology like autism levels and support needs, the voices of levels 2-3 and HrSN people need to be centred. We're the people who need these terms, we're the people who often depend on them to actually communicate our needs, so when people go around saying these terms are bad without having so much as an afterthought about us it is really upsetting and hurtful.

I've seen people say we don't need the terms because we can just explain the supports we need as if it was so easy to do so. Many of us have such complex needs that trying to explain them all the time isn't possible.

[zoobiefish]

Day 10: Self-Advocacy

Having a neurodevelopmental disability often means getting talked over, unfortunately. The moment they know I’m Autistic, most people tend to treat me as if I’m a child. I know this is sadly the experience of most of us on the spectrum. I’m a university student in my mid-20s earning an honours bachelors degree in psychology, yet I often get spoken down to. Not only that, but I’ve had people treat me outright with hostility when they found out I was Autistic; like I was a nuisance just for existing. I’m in a precarious position because I’m also considered “high functioning” by clinical standards. In no way am I saying “I have it worse” than “low functioning” Autistics, not by a long shot—nor am I saying our experiences are comparable. This isn’t any kind of “oppression olympics” or competition of any kind. But as someone who is “high functioning,” and considering this is my post, I will be talking about my personal experience and the specific nuance that comes with it. Additionally, please know that I’m not a fan of “functioning labels.” I am only using them here to describe myself as I would be described in clinical terms. Anyway, being high functioning means very specific and often contradictory expectations are put on me. I often don’t “look Autistic enough” for people to take my disability seriously. And anytime I’m legitimately struggling because of my very real disability, I get told to “suck it up” or that I’m “faking for attention” or something along those lines. I’m privileged enough to be able to speak and advocate for myself, yet it often still falls on deaf ears. At best, I’m just treated like a child and not the adult that I am. At worst, I’m treated like a pest. I need support, but I don’t need it “enough” in people’s eyes to “justify” needing it. I’m a leech in their eyes. I find being high functioning means that I feel compelled to mask more too. I recognize that being able to mask at all is a privilege, but it doesn’t make it any less stressful. Everyone expects that because my Autism is “mild,” I have some sort of unwritten duty to be performatively neurotypical 24/7. And that is cognitively exhausting. I just had several major tests in my uni program and I’m finally on break for a week, but I’m so burnt out now. I wanted to do a more relevant drawing for today’s prompt but then I thought “you know what? My art *is* my self-advocacy. So I’m gonna advocate by being honest about how tired I am.” I need a break. I need less stimulation. I need less expectations. I need to shut the blinds to my room and curl up with a favourite show. I have advocated my needs now.

[goatkisseslennieonhishotmouth]

FUCK YOU. IM NOT GETTING OVER THIS SCP. HE IS JUST A LITTLE AUTISTIC KID WHO WAS RIPPED FROM HIS GRANDPARENTS AND LIKED THE COLOR GREEN AND YOUR HONEST REACTION IS TO KILL HIM? “His potential is very dangerous ☝️” NERD SHIT I DECLARE. THAT LITTLE GUY DID FUCKING NOTHING BUT MAKE YOU HALLUCINATE A LITTLE BIT. HOW ABOUT WE DIRECT OUR GAZE TO THE ACTUAL PROBLEMS. WERE OVER HERE FIGURING OUT HOW DISABLED HE IS ON A SCALE OF 1-10 WHILE DAY MIGHT GO “hey maybe it’s about time I break!” AND SUDDENLY LITTLE BUDDY ISNT A BIG PROBLEM! LITERALLY THESE RESEARCHERS HAVE A CUMULATIVE IQ OF 2. THEIR PURE COMPETENCY IS AN ANOMALY. WHAT HAPPENED TO CONTAINING AND STUDYING AND MOVING THE FUCK ON. GOD FORBID A MAN WANTS A NEW UTENSIL. EVIL. PRICKS.

[anaconda-creates]

scary monster under my bed (essay i haven't started)(due tonight) maybe if i snuggle very cozy under the covers it wont see me and i'll be safe

[thetrashthatsmilesback]

A lot of us american dx-ed autistics are encouraging american undiagnosed autistics not to pursue diagnosis at the moment. This sadly doesn't address what accommodations one might need, so here are options to discuss with your treatment team (general practitioner, psychiatrist, therapist, social worker, etc).

I want to emphasize that this post is not encouraging doctor shopping. It is encouraging discussing other possible diagnoses who's criteria you fit which will gain you accommodations you might need as an undiagnosed autistic person without pursuing diagnosis

For speech therapy, a certified speech pathologist can assess you for any number of speech impediments as well as selective mutism, and insurance will cover care for these diagnoses. While some treatment approaches differ for those on the spectrum, this will allow you to access a level of care for speech and language difficulties (this is actually what happened for me as a young child before I was diagnosed)

For school or work accommodations, anxiety and ocd diagnoses (which are often comorbid with asd) can get you extra time on assignments, access to a quiet room during work hours, extra time when test taking, access to a quiet test taking room, and more. A diagnosis of sensory processing disorder can get you access to a quiet room during work hours, a quiet room for test taking, and potentially the ability to type your notes in classrooms that otherwise do not allow it. All of these can be diagnosed by a GP or psychiatrist.

You can qualify for disability payments with a diagnosis of any of the above, as well as any number of other autism comorbidities such as depression.

Any of the above diagnoses *may* allow you access to either a note taker or a recording device during classes or work meetings. (I am unsure as I had access to these explicitly as an autism accommodation, though my cousin has access to them as an adhd accommodation)

Autism resources you may face barriers to without a proper diagnosis:

Autism grants

Occupational therapy

AAC payment aids

Proper AAC training

Access to aids which can help with ADLs and IADLs

Edited to fix a typo

[simpforsix]

"i'm a low support needs autistic!" i say as i fail yet another class due to not having accommodations, faint because i missed hunger cues, get told off at work for my sensory issues, miss important activities because they mess up my schedule, isolate myself because masking is too hard, etc

[slveepyscwrs]

*inhales* LESS SUPPORT NEEDS DOESN'T MEAN NO SUPPORT NEEDS!!!

okay ty for listening to my psa baii 😊

[chronicsymptomsyndrome]

Idk if this is controversial but “high/low support needs” doesn’t feel any better to me than “high/low functioning” my brain processes them as the same sentiment. Idk if I’m the only one? Obviously I don’t personally know every autistic ever, but in my experience both firsthand and through six years of community research, it seems to me that support needs/function levels tend to fluctuate throughout a persons life. And it’s all relative. And I think that applies to humans regardless of neurotype, not just autistics. Maybe I’m wrong, I’m not all-knowing, that’s just what makes sense to me.

EDIT: If you see things differently that is valid. If you personally identify with support needs labels that is valid. If they help you navigate the world and your place in it, that is valid. Just like its valid for me to feel extremely uncomfortable and often triggered by them. Don’t try to tell me its not. Again, this is just what makes sense to me. Thanks.