High-functioning autism(HFA), now called autism with low support needs, can be tricky to explain to others, as the autism traits may not be as obvious as they often appear in autistic children with moreintense traitsand high support needs. People may notice certain behaviors in your child but just think your child is “odd,” which can be stigmatizing and hurtful.
All autistic people have challenges with social communication and tend to engage in repetitive, intensely focused behaviors. Those with low support needs—formerly calledAsperger’s syndrome, and sometimes known as “mild autism”—tend to be intelligent and capable as well. Hence, it may not always be obvious to people in your child’s life that they aren’tneurotypical.
This article discusses why it can be hard to explain autism with low support needs, and whether and when it’s in your child’s best interest to disclose their autism diagnosis.
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Why “Mild” Autism Is Confusing
Autistic people with low support needs often appearneurotypicalin certain situations but not in others.Repetitive talking, pacing, or rocking(stimming) can be calming for an autistic child with low support needs, but confusing or upsetting to people who don’t know about or understand it.
Here are a few examples of what autism with low support needs can look like:
It can be very surprising and unsettling to see these behaviors that seem to come from out of the blue. People who aren’t aware of someone’s autism diagnosis can be insulted or angry, thinking that the behavior is intentional.
While many people would argue that autism should always be disclosed, there are reasons why someone would choose not to do so. For example, some teachers, professors, and employers have anxieties about interacting with people who have developmental differences; thus, a disclosure could have a negative impact on interactions, grades, and evaluations.
In addition, autistic children with low support needs may be denied the opportunity to be part of a general peer group and instead put into"autism-only" settings.
In May 2013, Asperger’s syndrome was removed from the diagnostic literature. People who were once diagnosed with Asperger’s now receive a"Level 1"autism spectrum diagnosis, informally known as high-functioning (low support needs) or mild autism.
Why Asperger’s Syndrome Is No Longer an Official Diagnosis
Telling Your Child About Their Diagnosis
There’s no one right answer. Knowing they have a diagnosis may make a child feel like there is something “wrong” with them or feelstigmatized. On the other hand, autistic children generally know that they are different and may feel relieved to be able to put a name to their challenges and seek out settings where they’ll have a sense of belonging.
What Is Autism With Low Support Needs?
Disclosing Your Child’s Autism to Others
There’s always the possibility that a coach, club leader, or other adult will have reservations about including an autistic child. Many adults have very little experience with autism and may feel they can’t offer appropriate support. Should a parent explain their child’s autism up front? Or should they take a wait-and-see approach?
One approach is a “partial disclosure.” For example, if a child is taking part in a karate class, they may do well most of the time but react strongly if there’s a change in the routine. In that case, it might be useful to explain to the instructor that they might need to warn the child before class about any changes. In this way, you are addressing the issue without revealing the diagnosis.
If you choose to reveal your child’s diagnosis, make sure to point out that, like all people, their autistic child has bothstrengthsand challenges. (Use the word “challenges” instead of “weaknesses,” because challenges are things you can address.) Then talk about the accommodations and types of support that can be implemented to help your child thrive.
The Reasons Autistic Children Play Differently
3 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sandler, S, Rosenthal, M.Should parents tell their children they have Asperger’s?Autism Spectrum News.Masi A, Demayo MM, Glozier N, et al.An overview of autism spectrum disorder, heterogeneity and treatment options.Neurosci Bull. 33(2):183-193. doi:10.1007/s12264-017-0100-yAutism Society.Asperger’s syndrome.
3 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sandler, S, Rosenthal, M.Should parents tell their children they have Asperger’s?Autism Spectrum News.Masi A, Demayo MM, Glozier N, et al.An overview of autism spectrum disorder, heterogeneity and treatment options.Neurosci Bull. 33(2):183-193. doi:10.1007/s12264-017-0100-yAutism Society.Asperger’s syndrome.
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sandler, S, Rosenthal, M.Should parents tell their children they have Asperger’s?Autism Spectrum News.Masi A, Demayo MM, Glozier N, et al.An overview of autism spectrum disorder, heterogeneity and treatment options.Neurosci Bull. 33(2):183-193. doi:10.1007/s12264-017-0100-yAutism Society.Asperger’s syndrome.
Sandler, S, Rosenthal, M.Should parents tell their children they have Asperger’s?Autism Spectrum News.
Masi A, Demayo MM, Glozier N, et al.An overview of autism spectrum disorder, heterogeneity and treatment options.Neurosci Bull. 33(2):183-193. doi:10.1007/s12264-017-0100-y
Autism Society.Asperger’s syndrome.
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