High-functioning?

[i_like_black]

Hi there.
First things first, I DO NOT have Autism, or Aspergers, or any ASD.
My clinical diagnoses are currently ADHD, Bipolar, and Borderline traits, with clarification of diagnosis being a goal of my current treatment.

Okay, so I was talking to my key worker the other day, and he referred to me as a "high-functioning individual", and I was wondering what this means.

I know I have intelligence that sits somewhere in the realm of above average to gifted. I know that for people with ASD "high-functioning" often refers to their social abilities - the only high-functioning autistic kid I know is the only autistic kid I've met who can talk to me properly (sans eye-contact.).

So if anybody could clarify what my keyworker possibly meant, that would be great.

Thank you

[Dr.Bobby]

You might want to ask your key worker exactly what she was referring to when she used this term. It reminds me to not use buzz words with people who aren't familiar with them!

OK, disclaimer: We don't know you and cannot interpret how this term applies to your specific, unique case. Your mileage may vary!

Typically, though (and very generally speaking) "High functioning" means 'With little/less impact' of whatever it is that you're struggling with. So, it can relate to IQ if, for instance, you have a learning disability, or social functioning if you're on the Autism continuum, or how well you walk if you have paralysis.

In any event, and even without the specifics and how they relate to you, being 'High functioning' is a very good sign and a very good prognostic indicator!