Support Needs vs Functioning Labels
It’s common to hear terms like “high-functioning” or “low-functioning” when people talk about neurodivergence — especially around autism. But these labels can be misleading, overly simplistic, and often unhelpful.
A better, more respectful approach is to talk about support needs.
What are functioning labels?
Functioning labels are quick judgments based on how someone appears:
- “High-functioning” often means someone masks well or doesn’t need visible support
- “Low-functioning” can imply someone has no agency, or always needs help
But:
- They don’t reflect day-to-day fluctuations
- They ignore context and environment
- They can dismiss real challenges — or real strengths
What are support needs?
Support needs focus on what someone actually requires to thrive:
- They might vary depending on the task, setting, or mood
- A person might need no support in one area and lots in another
- Support needs can change over time
Talking about support needs creates space for flexibility and nuance — rather than boxing someone in.
Why it matters
- Functioning labels often serve the observer’s comfort, not the person’s lived reality
- They can lead to misdiagnosis, lack of support, or inappropriate expectations
- Shifting to support-based language respects the full picture of someone’s life
In short: people are not fixed categories. They’re individuals, with real, human needs that may rise, fall, and shift — just like anyone else’s.