high functioning and low functioning are both common medical term which are actually very harmful to use.
they're often used to measure how easy disabled people are to interact with and not actually how their disorder affects them.
when someone is labelled as high functioning, people assume they have no struggles whatsoever, so they don't look out for them. and then they might have a meltdown or burnout because they've had to push through those feelings all of the time.
and when someone is labelled as low functioning, people assume they're stupid or something along those lines, so they baby low functioning people. even when they're full-grown adults!
(when i use the term "disabled" i mean anyone who is affected by a learning disability or anything similar, if my usage of this term comes off as offensive, just know that i apologise, but i am saying all of this as a disabled person, so ofc i wouldn't use that term to purposefully harm anyone!)
they're often used to measure how easy disabled people are to interact with and not actually how their disorder affects them.
when someone is labelled as high functioning, people assume they have no struggles whatsoever, so they don't look out for them. and then they might have a meltdown or burnout because they've had to push through those feelings all of the time.
and when someone is labelled as low functioning, people assume they're stupid or something along those lines, so they baby low functioning people. even when they're full-grown adults!
(when i use the term "disabled" i mean anyone who is affected by a learning disability or anything similar, if my usage of this term comes off as offensive, just know that i apologise, but i am saying all of this as a disabled person, so ofc i wouldn't use that term to purposefully harm anyone!)
Person 1: so you have high functioning autism?
Person 2: on the outside that may be true for you, but on the inside life is very difficult for me, so i'd prefer if you didn't force functioning labels on me and just do your best to support me instead.
P1: oh crap, sorry man, thanks for explaining
Person 2: on the outside that may be true for you, but on the inside life is very difficult for me, so i'd prefer if you didn't force functioning labels on me and just do your best to support me instead.
P1: oh crap, sorry man, thanks for explaining
by eboybur June 11, 2022
Get the functioning labelsmug. A person who has not had sexual intercourse despite appearing to be physically and socially capable of doing so. This person might look good but struggle with communicating with the preferred sex or being unable to close the deal. This could be due to "putting the pussy on a pedestal" which makes it hard for guys to speak to girls.
Many good-looking guys who are well-groomed and take care of themselves are functioning virgins because they don't go out and take girls on dates or even attempt to introduce themselves to girls because they're afraid of rejection. An example would be like Gym-Bros
by Yobi Bear March 13, 2023
Get the Functioning Virginmug. A phrase used to describe someone who's barely holding it together, but still managing to show up to life—often with chaotic vibes, questionable decisions, and a diet that can’t include bread.
by alw259 May 6, 2025
Get the mental issue, a walking talking semi functional mental issuemug. by Alistera July 9, 2018
Get the Toxic functionmug. by Tayy9x June 21, 2022
Get the Cracking The Functionmug. A low end NT tend to operate at the lowest level possible in life, never able to hold down a job, and will revert to the scummy hustles. They usually will be a kleptomaniac often even towards friends and family. When they come across a mentally impaired person already hooked on dope, it's a jackpot 4 them They may pressure 1 to trade a new PS4 remote like a 5th of a gram of crack, acting like it's the deal of the century. They want u 2 think 1/4 gram of dope w a 5 min high is in ur better interest than a stack of budget games that can provide dozens of hrs of fun. More often than not, a high end autistic individual operates at a higher lvl in life with the creativity and knowledge base being stronger than low end commoners. With the strongly held moral codes of ASD folk, they are less likely to resort to unethical/ criminal means of survival. Whereas a high end NT is more likely than the other neuro-types to finish college and find employment in their field of study, or to find their niche sooner, as they have both a strong skill set or knowledge base that isn't counter balanced by social awkwardness. A low end commoner is also prone to constant lying, who r also less skilled of a liar than a high end NT. On the contrary a high end NT has less of a need to be a liar as they usually aren't left in a position where lying is needed. Thing's tend 2 fall in place for high performing neurotypicals and most were preppy in school as well as beyond graduation.
Oh there's that dope dealer trying to sell meth to that guy with an autistic lisp and mannerisms. I'd like to call that criminal a low functioning neurotypical.
by JMetal March 2, 2023
Get the Low functioning neurotypicalmug. A person or persons whom are unable to operate a hammer or tools in general but are extremely capable with knowledge.
Suzan is functionally alternative, she might hurt herself with a soup spoon but she'll hurt you with her knowledge of appropriate Shakespeare insults.
by GridSquid September 2, 2022
Get the Functionally Alternativemug.