Why Is High Functioning Autism No Longer Used? The Truth Behind DSM-5 Changes
Why is high functioning autism no longer used? Discover why support needs replaced outdated labels in autism diagnosis and care.
The answer to “Why is high functioning autism no longer used?” is clear: the term is outdated because it oversimplifies autism and misses the real challenges people face, regardless of IQ or language. Today, autism is diagnosed by support needs, not functioning labels, thanks to updates in the DSM-5—the main guide used by professionals worldwide.
Why Is High Functioning Autism No Longer Used?
- “High functioning autism” mostly described people with average intelligence, but didn’t reflect struggles with daily life and social skills.
- The DSM-5 now uses “Autism Spectrum Disorder” with levels based on support needs, which is more accurate and helps tailor therapy.
- Research shows people called “high functioning” often still need help with everyday tasks like planning, handling changes, or making friends.
Before the change, some children missed out on services because they were labeled “high functioning,” even though they had serious support needs. Studies of over 2,000 people found that having a normal IQ didn’t always mean a person could live or work independently. Families now report better access to therapy since the switch to more personalized support levels, not generic labels.
Modern Approach: Individualized, Not Labels
The new system makes it easier for every autistic person to get the right therapy plan. Individual strengths and challenges matter more than a single, outdated tag.
Want a therapy plan that’s built just for your family’s needs? Contact Milestone Achievements in Georgia for an assessment designed around real support—not labels.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/autism/functioning-labels-autism
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High-functioning_autism
- https://www.thetransmitter.org/spectrum/large-study-supports-discarding-term-high-functioning-autism/
- https://www.autismspeaks.org/autism-diagnostic-criteria-dsm-5
- https://www.healthline.com/health/types-of-autism
- https://www.thekids.org.au/our-research/impact/2020/paradigm-shift/high-functioning-autism-language-outdated-harmful/
- https://www.autismawareness.com.au/aupdate/why-we-should-stop-using-the-term-high-functioning-autism
- https://health.clevelandclinic.org/high-functioning-autism
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4929984/
- https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM_Changes_from_DSM-IV-TR_-to_DSM-5.pdf
- https://open.library.ubc.ca/media/stream/pdf/24/1.0135710/1
- https://rsdjournal.org/rsd/article/view/46866
- https://abcnews.go.com/Health/AutismSymptomsDiagnosis/aspergers-syndrome-set-lose/story?id=13674552
- https://www.reddit.com/r/autism/comments/tpytp6/if_high_functioning_is_politically_incorrect_what/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7919612/
- https://psychiatry-uk.com/higher-or-lower-why-using-functional-labels-to-describe-autism-is-problematic/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0891422216302049
- https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/the-history-of-autism/asperger-syndrome
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