The functioning labels for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aren’t part of a formal diagnosis and are considered outdated. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder. It’s caused ...

"High-functioning autism" (HFA) is a term used to describe people with a certain level of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They have milder symptoms and fewer challenges than those with more severe ...

Emily Laurence is a journalist, freelance writer and certified health coach living in Raleigh, North Carolina. She specializes in writing about mental health, healthy aging and overall wellness. For ...

"Everyday Neurodiversity" will be dispelling myths and enhancing understanding of neurodiversity, specifically autism. It’s based on experiences shared by autistic adults and my experience as a ...

Autism may present differently in people assigned as female at birth. A key feature is masking or camouflaging symptoms. This may result in a later diagnosis. Research suggests females are more likely ...

High-functioning autism is not a formal diagnosis and is not in the DSM-5. It remains a controversial term and is no longer used in many academic circles. However, it remains useful as a concept in ...

GATES, N.Y. – Saturday morning, the Gates Public Library hosted Campaign D, a nonprofit founded by people on the autism spectrum. The event featured a panel of autistic people who each picked five ...

Mild autism is unofficially used to describe level 1 autism, or high-functioning autism. People with mild autism might not get diagnosed until adolescence or adulthood because their traits are subtle.

Readers weigh in on the challenges of defining and diagnosing the condition. To the Editor: Re “In New Focus on Autism, Some Worry the Spectrum Is Too Broad” (front page, Oct. 5): One thing’s for ...