What Does “High-Functioning Autism” Even Mean?
You’ll still hear the phrase “high-functioning autism” in schools, online, and even from professionals. But the term is outdated. It focuses on how “typical” someone looks instead of what they’re experiencing on the inside. A child may speak well, make good grades, and behave politely, and still struggle socially, emotionally, and functionally. Being able to mask does not mean they don’t need support.
The Updated Term: Level 1 Autism
Today we use Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, which describes kids who need support in daily life—even if their challenges are harder to see. Levels (1, 2, and 3) don’t describe intelligence; they describe how much support someone needs. So what used to be called “high-functioning” really means a child can cope in some environments, but it takes effort and affects their well-being.
How Level 1 Autism Shows Up
Children must show characteristics in two areas:
1. Social Communication
Examples may include:
Difficulty understanding unspoken rules
Literal thinking or missing sarcasm
One-sided conversations
Social confusion or exhaustion after being with peers
2. Repetitive Behaviors, Routines, or Sensory Needs
Examples may include:
Strong need for routines or predictable schedules
Specific passions or “intense” interests
Sensory sensitivities (noise, clothing, food)
Meltdowns or shutdowns after changes or stress
A Real Example
Let’s call her Sophia, an 11-year-old girl initially treated for anxiety. She excelled in school and was described as polite and shy, yet she came home overwhelmed every day. She didn’t understand why peers got frustrated with her or why friendships felt confusing. Small changes (like a substitute teacher) caused tears. She followed rules rigidly and corrected others without realizing it bothered them.
In therapy, it became clear that Sophia struggled with perspective-taking. She wasn’t intentionally being rude—she truly didn’t pick up social cues. With further evaluation, she met criteria for ASD Level 1.
She Doesn’t “Look” Autistic—So Why Does It Impact Her?
Sophia blends in at school, but it takes a toll. She experiences:
Social burnout
High anxiety due to confusion
Difficulty maintaining friendships
Emotional overwhelm at home
Stress from masking all day
Her autism didn’t go away because she was smart or verbal. She simply worked harder to cope.
Why an Accurate Diagnosis Matters
If we only call it anxiety or shyness, we miss what she really needs. With the right diagnosis, Sophia learned social reasoning step-by-step, gained support for sensory needs, and reduced burnout. She gained an understanding of autism, which helped her with taking others’ perspectives. It also opened the door to a world of resources and community for Sophia and her family. Teachers and parents also learned how to support her, which improved her confidence and relationships.
Want to learn more about Autism Evaluations? Contact us today for a free consultation or book here.
