“Functioning Is Non-Linear” Are we Misguided in Our Notions of “High and Low Functioning?”

I came across this piece written by someone with Asperger’s Syndrome. She makes some important points to consider concerning the judgmental implications of terms such as “high functioning and low functioning.” I’m a fan of precise and descriptive diagnostic work, but the writer points out the subtle and unspoken judgements that accompany some of our terms.

Decoding the High Functioning Label

FUNCTIONING IS NONLINEAR

I love that quote.

As Walt Whitman said:

Do I contradict myself?

Very well then I contradict myself,

(I am large, I contain multitudes.)