190. High Functioning, Low Functioning: What Do They Really Mean?

In this episode of the Not Your Average Autism Mom podcast, Shannon talks about a topic that is often confusing and sometimes problematic, labels of "high functioning" and "low functioning" autism. She explains why these terms can be misleading and shares practical strategies for parents to support their children regardless of these labels.

Shannon begins by encouraging parents of young children showing developmental delays to seek support immediately, without waiting for a formal diagnosis. She emphasizes that the label "autism" alone doesn't provide a complete picture of a child's abilities or challenges.

The episode highlights common scenarios, such as the variability in functioning labels among school-aged children and the misunderstandings that can arise from them. Shannon shares stories of children who are labeled "high functioning" yet face severe autistic traits and those labeled "low functioning" who possess remarkable cognitive abilities once given the right communication tools.

Listeners are reminded of the importance of assuming competence in their children and focusing on their unique needs and strengths. Shannon also discusses the daily variability in autism and provides strategies for managing these fluctuations.

Tune in for an insightful discussion that challenges common misconceptions about autism and offers practical advice for supporting your child's growth and development. Whether your child is labeled "high functioning" or "low functioning," this episode will inspire you to see beyond the labels and believe in your child's potential.

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Additional Resources:

⁠40. The Impact of Mind Blindness⁠ 

⁠109. Why Waiting is So Difficult⁠ 

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