This book doesn’t use “functioning labelsWords that try and show different “types” of autism. “High functioning” and “low functioning” are some examples of functioning labels.”. Functioning labels are words that try and show different “types” of autism, such as:
- “High functioning”
- “Low functioning”
- “Mild autism”
- “Moderate autism”
- “Severe autism”
- “Classic Autism”
- “Asperger’s Syndrome”
Functioning labels don’t help autistic people get what we need, because they don’t show how autistic people need help with different things. Functioning labels hurt us. Someone might say we shouldn’t get help if we are “low-functioning”, or that we don’t need help if we are “high-functioning”.
This book uses the words “support needsThe things autistic people need help with.” instead. Support needs are things autistic people need help with. Different autistic people need help with different things. Some people need more support, and some people need less support. Some people might have more support needs sometimes, and less support needs other times. The words “support needs” mean we need help, and don’t judge us for needing help
This book does talk about groups of autistic people, like non-speakingPeople who don’t talk with their mouths. autistic people and autistic people with intellectual disabilitiesDisabilities that affect how you learn and think. People with intellectual disabilities might learn more slowly.. These words make more sense than functioning labels, and are also more respectful.