High functioning Asperger's? - General Autism Discussion

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High functioning Asperger's?

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zeldazonk
Tufted Titmouse

Joined: May 30, 2011
Posts: 47

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 1:53 am Post subject: High functioning Asperger's?

Hi everyone, I've finally been diagnosed which I'm kind of excited (among other things) about. I haven't spoken to my psych about it yet, just read a letter she wrote to my GP and copied to me. The only confusing thing is she uses the term "high functioning Asperger's Syndrome".. I've never come across this term before, has anyone else I've only heard of AS and High functioning Autism... Thanx, Zel

fragileclover
Velociraptor

Joined: May 22, 2009
Posts: 496

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 2:00 am Post subject:

I think this usually refers to an individual who can mask their symptoms in public, but are clearly AS when seen by a professional in a clinical environment. It just means you have AS, but you don't need a lot of support to go about your daily routine. You may not even 'come off' as having AS unless you get close to someone. Autism, like Asperger's, has a full range of functioning ability. Some Classic Autists function better than some with AS. Note that 'high functioning' is not your diagnosis, though, it's just a remark about you display your symptoms. _________________ Aspie Quiz: AS - 141/200, NT - 77/200 (Very likely an Aspie) AQ: 34/50 (Aspie range) EQ: 32 / SQ: 68 (Extreme Systemizing / AS or HFA) Diagnosed with AS and Anxiety Disorder - NOS on 03/21/2012

Phonic
WHERE IS YOUR GOD NOW!!!??
Phoenix

Joined: Apr 04, 2011
Age: 20
Posts: 1331
Location: The graveyard of discarded toy soldiers.

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 2:01 am Post subject:

She's just saying that you're doing fairly well, that you're "mild" and coping with life better then a Low Functioning Autistic, that you can handle stuff alone, even if you need a little help or guides. I think that's the gist. _________________ 'not only has he hacked his intellect away from his feelings, but he has smashed his feelings and his capacity for judgment into smithereens'.

zeldazonk
Tufted Titmouse

Joined: May 30, 2011
Posts: 47

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 2:44 am Post subject:

fragileclover wrote:

I think this usually refers to an individual who can mask their symptoms in public, but are clearly AS when seen by a professional in a clinical environment.

It just means you have AS, but you don't need a lot of support to go about your daily routine. You may not even 'come off' as having AS unless you get close to someone.

Autism, like Asperger's, has a full range of functioning ability. Some Classic Autists function better than some with AS.

Note that 'high functioning' is not your diagnosis, though, it's just a remark about you display your symptoms.

Thanks Fragile,
I guess I thought Asperger's was high functioning if you know what I mean - relatively speaking along the Autism spectrum...
Looks like we've been diagnosed at about the same time!
Congratulations (I think) Very Happy

Best, Zel.

Callista
Phoenix
Phoenix

Joined: Feb 04, 2006
Age: 30
Posts: 9818
Location: Central USA

Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 4:41 am Post subject:

LOL, well, "high functioning" doesn't have a clinical meaning, really. It's just something doctors say when you don't fit their stereotype of "severe". Since the stereotype itself is usually pretty wacky and off-base, and every doctor seems to have a different one, the meaning of high or low functioning is about as well-defined as my cat's knowledge of Shakespeare. _________________ Engineering & Psychology student. Gamer. Christian. Asexual. Information Addict. Deal with it! Reports from a Resident Alien: http://chaoticidealism.livejournal.com