In the first few months of learning my son had autism, I had several different professionals giving me different diagnoses. I kept trying to figure out which diagnosis was the real diagnosis, and so I found myself gravitating towards the one that I wanted him to have—the easiest one. Today I’m discussing high functioning and low functioning autism, and which is easier (if there is one).
Initially, I labeled my son as having mild autism because he didn’t display the stereotypical behaviors that I associated with severe autism.
A couple of troubling experiences made me realize that those labels were subjective and not a great indicator of where a child falls on the spectrum.
I now understand why we can’t compare low functioning autism versus high functioning autism… because that label can change depending on which skill they are being tested on at that moment… among other factors. It’s just not a fair and accurate method.
However, when it comes to comparing autism diagnoses and labeling our children, there really shouldn’t be a need. As parents, as teachers, as analysts, our number one priority should be to encourage children with autism, regardless of where they fall on the spectrum, and help them to lead their happiest, safest lives.
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