Donnie · @Donnimation
19th Aug 2019 from TwitLonger
The Functioning Label and Autism [Rant]
So I'm sure you all know what autism is, or at least have an idea for what it is. However, that doesn't mean that everyone understands it, and not everyone accepts us.
See, as someone who is autistic, I've seen two main stereotypes that are known; Either they cannot do anything on their own, constantly have breakdowns, etc...Or they're super geniuses who have done great things for the world. The first one is considered to be "low functioning" and the second is considered "high functioning". Maybe it's not always that exaggerated, but they're stereotypes that people have believed. However, autism is much more complex than that.
I've been diagnosed as high functioning. I've been considered so smart by my teachers and parents. I learned to read faster than my peers despite not knowing how to properly talk at the time. I enjoyed writing more than my peers at that time. I have a bright imagination. These are all things common in those with high functioning. One might think it's a compliment because famous people were considered high functioning autistic, but there's a catch.
The catch is that despite my bright abilities and what I have is considered an intelligent mind, that also leads neuro-typicals to not want to understand that I have struggles as well. I can't tell you how many times I've been shunned for the apparent crime of shaking my hands to stim or needing a stuffed animal to get through the day. I can't tell you how many times I've been disregarded as over-exaggerating or faking my needs and struggles all because I'm "too high-functioning". I know I'm not alone on this, because I've read stories and articles about other autistic people experiencing the same thing. "High functioning" is not the same as "minor" or "reason to have too high expectations for someone with autism". My autism is not just a reason to call me a genius. I have struggles, too, no matter how smart I am.
It doesn't just do damage to those considered high functioning, too. Those considered low-functioning can end up underestimated or considered just a burden because they have different needs from everyone else. Hell, I even nearly went to a special ed school, but I didn't because I was considered "too smart", which is insulting to those that are different from me. Plus those considered "too smart" or "too high functioning" may not get access to what they need *because* they're thought of as too smart. It damages everyone that's autistic.
I am not "high functioning autistic". I am autistic. I have unique needs and abilities just like everyone else. I cannot drive or have a full-time job. I have breakdowns. I have autistic burnouts, meaning I sometimes get non-verbal and need more support than usual. I also have the ability to memorize facts about things I'm passionate about and work on some things fast. For anyone reading that's considered low-functioning, it's not your fault that you need support. It doesn't make you lesser than me. We all need to support each other, and hopefully the world will better understand us.
For those who read all the way through, thank you. You may ask me questions about my thoughts on subjects relating to autism either in the replies, my DMs, or in my CuriousCat. I appreciate anyone who's willing to learn or at the very least listen to my point of view.