The functioning labels for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aren’t part of a formal diagnosis and are considered outdated.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" describes autistic people who can complete some daily tasks and blend into society. People with high-functioning autism can have trouble starting conversations and ...

This is what the autism spectrum looks like. It is not a gradation from high to low functioning. Source: Jessica Penot, LPC If you are an autistic person who can hold a job and pay bills, you will ...

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 ...

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.

Borderline autism is not a diagnosis — it is an informal term some people may use to describe mild symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Social communication difficulties and repetitive ...

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 ...