#low functioning autism

[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

#bug talks #bug rants #autism #autism awareness #autism acceptance #autism awareness month #autism acceptence month #high functioning autism #low functioning autism #high support needs #low support needs #ableism #tw ableism #actually autistic

[wilblargh]

my autism keeps me from functioning in environments such as school/jobs. there's many reasons, but one of the main ones is the rush/obligation.

everything needs to have been done yesterday and if you're not ahead then you're falling far behind and you have to rush even more to catch up when you failed to rush to be ahead. i burn out practically immediately because the moment i get stressed and have to rush my nervous system is overloaded and it takes me at a minimum 2 weeks to recover.

it's why i wasn't able to keep going to school after i was 11. it's why i got so incredibly burnt out and it's taken me years to recover and feel better. it's the only reason i got diagnosed at 14, because by then it was already too late and i was already burnt out.

i stopped going at 11 years old, but i stopped functioning long before that. i stopped turning in homework at 8 and i stopped being attentive in certain classes and started skipping at 9, i refused to do schoolwork and would shove textbooks off my desk and run off to hide somewhere. i would get severe migraines and have meltdowns nearly every single day. by the time i was 10 i would skip a whole week at a time frequently because i did not have the energy to get out of bed and go through the day.

the teachers and my peers bullied me. i got threats from the teachers and the principal and school counsellor. they told me i'd fail, i'd be homeless, i'd get assaulted on the streets for not finishing school. in their eyes i was nothing more than a problem with intellectual difficulties and they made sure i knew they thought that way. they did everything they could to avoid helping me.

my father could see that something was very obviously wrong and tried so hard to get the school to help me, tried to get me some kind of help, but every teacher and counsellor and social worker only refused.

i feel as though my education was robbed from me because the adults in my life refused to see that something was wrong way before the burnout crash happened. there were signs my whole life and every adult in my life ignored all of them.

being diagnosed early was not a privilege at all. i did not "get the help i need" once i got diagnosed, i did not ever get any help at all.

#it's really annoying actually #actually autistic #autism #trauma tw #child abuse tw #child neglect tw #aspie supremacists dni or i'll kill u #autistic struggles #low functioning autism #low functioning #high support needs #my official diagnosis says autism lvl2 which means my autism is powerful #strongest autism #could beat satan with my powerful autism #this post was mostly me just venting #personal

[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.

#low functioning autism #autism #asd #autism spectrum disorder #high fuctioning autism

[pixierainbows]

wish for smart autism people to STOP saying things like "most autism people actually smart ! ". is not true! is just so erase big part of autism community ! of people like Pixie, and intellectual disability autism people !

STOP say , is not okay ! people like Pixie, people with intellectual disability , are BIG part of autism community ! we deserve be part of own community !

STOP try push out of community, is ableism !

#autism #actually autistic #actually nonverbal #severe autism #low functioning #nonverbal #intellectual disability #cognitive disability #autism level 3

[stealingfromwoolworths]

Currently waiting for people to realise that yes, the autistic teens, kids, adults and elders who are always swarmed by aids, cannot speak, lash out, have limited speech, act “dumb”, run away into dangerous places (eg. Roads, pools ect.) when overwhelmed, are similar to the autistic stereotype or in general don’t act in a “civilised manner”

Have access to the internet

They are on tumblr

We are on tumblr

And we don’t appreciate being your punching bag, being excluded from conversations about accessibility, or used as a tool by high functioning autistics who want to say “oh look at me I’m not like the autistics who bite people or make weird sounds in public or need support, I’m just unique and have fun interests.”

We are real people and we are smarter then you think.

Edit: thanks to the people who pointed out that smart wasn’t the right word! So I’m going to add this: the opinions of me, a low functioning autistic who has the privilege to be able to write coherently and communicate my opinions and views in two different languages, holds the exact same weight as someone who cannot do any of those things and in fact sometimes it’s their opinion and views that matter more. The opinion of “smart” autistics matters just as much as the opinion of “non smart” autistics and people you would consider dumb. Lower functioning autistics who are not conventionally or, at all, “smart” are just as human, important and valuable and deserve to have their opinions taken into consideration just as much as I do writing this. You don’t loose your value as a human or as a disabled person when you aren’t smart.

#actually autistic #autism #disabled #mentally disabled #don’t come at me for using functioning labels I am low functioning #in fact I am barely functioning #disability #high support needs

[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!

#Post brought to you by me quitting another job #autistic #autistic adult #meltdown #autism #actually autistic #disabilties #disabled #high functioning autism #low support needs #anxeity #cptsd problems #ptsd #complex ptsd #burnout #send help #mental health

[caterpillarinacave]

one of the weird things about autism is genuinely not knowing if you are capable of doing something or not

#I’m not entirely sure if certain things are within my capabilities #And considering most of the world tries to operate on a black and white scale (high functioning v low functioning) with no gray area #It really adds to the self doubt and hatred #Actually autistic #asd #actually autism #actuallyautistic #actuallyautism #autism problems #neurodivergent #actually neurodivergent #gad #autism spectrum disorder

[autibear]

stop calling other autistics ableist for treating their autism like a disorder

I don't care if your autism doesn't make you feel disabled you're a minority and you don't get to call the terminology other autistic people use ableist. Especially terms that are useful for level 3/high support needs autistics

If you don't like the levelling system or support labels and think it's the same as functioning labels don't use them on yourself. Stop calling them useless ableist and harmful

People are pretending this doesn't happen anymore but there are still posts and articles and videos everywhere trying to erase terminology useful to many mid-high support needs

If you think it's bad to talk about our differences you're wrong. We can both be a diverse community and have differences that we label. If you want to pretend we're all the same just because we're autistic you've only spent time with autistic people like you

Some autistic people need levels to understand their own needs or find other autistic people they can relate to

Some people call themselves a person with autism instead because that's what they're comfortable with

Some autistic people don't like that they're autistic and find it hugely disabling and struggle to find positives in it

Some autistic people say they are severely autistic because of how disabling their autism is

Some autistic people look autistic and cant mask

Some autistic people still use functioning labels on themselves because it's familiar and helps them and it's what they're comfortable with

Some autistic people say they have a disorder condition disability or ASD because that's what they're comfortable with

If you want to treat your autism like just a difference we're not stopping you. If you want to treat everyone's autism like just a difference then we have problems

If a label doesn't help you that's fine. Don't speak on how helpful labels that never even applied to you are. If you think all autistics with higher support needs are incapable of knowing what's ableist so you have to talk over them you are wrong.

#long post #actually autistic #high support needs #autism #autistic adult #black autistic #poc #poc autistic #audhd #neurodivergent #asd #autism spectrum disorder #autism spectrum condition #level 3 autism #low functioning autistic #autistic experiences #autistic things #autistic community #autistic #actually neurodivergent #neurodivergency #ableism #disability #disability rights #nonverbal #nonspeaking #aac user

[five-thousand-loaves-of-bread]

“it’s frustrating being a neurodivergent person (in school/academia/medical settings as patient/life in general) because you’re not ‘low functioning’ enough to get support…”

woah people considered “low functioning” don’t miraculously get more support either

understand you’re frustrated and looking for someone to attribute this to but low functioning people aren’t your enemy here unpack your biases & advantage & privilege

(yes, you can simultaneously have advantages & privileges as a neurodivergent/any minority)

#actually neurodivergent #actually autistic #actuallyautistic #actually adhd #autism #autistic #adhd #nd #neurodivergent #loaf screm #low functioning

[foggyroseblood]

I don't remember who said it but whoever suggested to use "high masking" and "low masking" instead of low and high functioning i love you so much. Its the only words I feel really work for me. I was diagnosed with "high functioning autism/aspergers" which the 1st one just didnt fit me i felt bc it just isnt true and the 2nd word has nazi history so um no thanks. Lots of people use low and high support needs now but those don't work for me either. Like i would be considered low support needs i guess but I do need lots of support with daily things i definitely do not have low support needs if i take the definition litterally. I am high masking.

High masking suggets that i look like i am high functioning and okay although i am not and that's very validating

#autism #autistic #function labels #neurodivergent #adhd #asd #autism spectrum disorder #high functioning autism #neurodiversity #mental health #autismawareness #masking #mentalheathawareness #low support needs #high support needs #actullyautistic #disabled

[catgirl-catboy]

Honestly people should stop seeing autistic people as high/low functioning and start thinking about it like Pokemon stats.

For instance, I have a low stamina stat.   Need to bring my headphones everywhere because loud noise really wears me down.   However, there are some stats I’m quite high in.   I can eat most foods without sensory issues, and I think I can small talk quite well even if I don’t care to.

There is no such thing as the strongest (or most neurotypical) pokemon!  It depends a lot on type matchups, movesets, playstyles.   A Pokemon most people would think of as strong, like a Charizard, might struggle when faced with a rock type.  So! Give yourself an item or teach yourself a new move. 

#pokemon #actuallyautistic #autism #metaphors #I hope this makes sense #high functioning #low functioning

[voidxbrat]

This is some love going out to other people with severe mental/developmental/etc disabilities! I mean severe like, in of need full-time assistance or *a lot* of accommodations. I mean people who legitimately can’t always control or understand their own behaviors. People who cannot live on their own, or maybe can’t make their own decisions. The people who get left out of everything, by everyone, even those who say to support people with stigmatized mental illnesses and not very nice symptoms and behaviors. Because, for all everyone shouts that they support these things - you really show you don’t very often (even on this site). Something people on here still really need to understand and support, is what *serious* and *severe* mental/developmental/etc disability really is.

#sorry not sorry #I’m really getting tired of the shit people pass around all the time #that blatantly disregards severely mentally disabled people #I hate it #I want to enjoy it here but so often I even feel left out here #even amongst other systems #and some groups of people with stigmatized mental illness #because majority of you can’t seem to comprehend or consider us #aria #severe mental illness #stigmatized disorders #did osdd #schizophrenia #schizo spectrum #personality disorder #low functioning #autistic spectrum #autism #actually austistic #mental heath support #mental disability #developmental disabilities #neurodivergent #actually mentally ill

[pixierainbows]

Pixie so tired of . ? hypocrisy ? . Ableism from smart autism people … unfair unfair unfair .

#actually nonverbal #actually autistic #nonverbal #nonverbal communication #hypocrisy #unfair #severe autism #low functioning #high support needs #bad autism

[stealingfromwoolworths]

Im gonna be a hater

I get that autism is a spectrum and all but Jesus Christ some of y’all need to realise that you are in a more privileged position by being low(er) support needs.

Even I, your local whiny bitch who has an army of aids everywhere I go (one is literally watching me type this), have significant privilege over autistic people who are non verbal, autistic people who are not smart, autistic people who live in poverty, autistic people who attend special schools, autistic people who have other disabilities ect.

I can recognise that my situation sucks and also recognise that I have the ability to read and write in two languages, speak (most of the time) English fluently, live decently with disability benefits as someone who is lower middle class and be able to exist within the public school system.

We cannot achieve full liberation for ourselves and other mentally disabled people if we cannot objectively realise that some of us have it worse. I’m so so so so so so so so tired of having to explain this over and over again.

And I love you guys so much but I swear to God a low functioning autistic person explaining how being autistic has worse affects on them and impairs their daily life in a more severe way then it does yours is not invalidating you.

Also a lot of you still have alot of anti autistic ableist sentiment because you are still able to present yourself to the world as neurotypical but let’s not unpack that today.

(NOT TALKING ABOUT ALL LOW SUPPORT NEEDS AUTISTICS‼️ IF THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU ITS NOT ABOUT YOU‼️ IF TOU FEEL ATTACKED MAYBE YOU NEED TO EXPLORE THAT FEELING IDK)

#actually autistic #disabled #autism #mentally disabled #disability pride month #this was in my drafts from disability pride month #lmao #low functioning #low functioning autistic #high support needs #low support needs #autism community #autistic community #listen to our voices I beg of you

[gillipopmoji]

honestly I'm tired of the person first/identity first debate. the default shouldn't matter very much as long as you listen to what the person in question wants. shout-out to anyone who uses any of the following terms:

person with autism.

autistic person.

autistic (noun)

autistic (verb)

has autism

is autistic

suffers from autism

gifted with being autistic

on the low end of the spectrum

on the high end of the spectrum

very autistic

has a little bit of autism

profoundly autistic

high functioning

low functioning

low support needs

high support needs

gifted

not normal

weird

neurodivergent

disabled

differently abled

ableminded

not disabled

has a touch of the tism

neurosilly

neurospicy

special

special needs

normal

some other word/phrase I've never heard

#discourse #autism #autistic #person with autism #autistic person #has autism #is autistic #suffers from autism #gifted with being autistic #on the low end of the spectrum #has a little bit of autism #high functioning autism #high functioning #low support needs #gifted #not normal #weird #neurodivergent #nd #disabled #differently abled #ableminded #not disabled #touch of the tism #neurosilly #neurospicy #special #special needs #normal #not an emoji

[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.

#rants & reflections #high support needs #low support needs #low functioning #high functioning autism #autistic support needs #support needs #autistic spectrum #autism spectrum #neurodivergent community #neurodiversity #neurodiversity acceptance #undiagnosed neurodivergent #neurodivergent #audhd problems #adhd autistic #neurodivergence #high functioning #autistic trauma #autistic experiences #autistic thoughts #audhd things