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.