Why Are Functioning Labels Unhelpful?

What are functioning labels?

Labels are used in everyday settings to help us make sense of the world by putting things into categories we can understand. While attributing labels has a purpose in some settings, they can become unhelpful when using labels to describe people – especially functioning labels. 

Examples of functioning labels are “high functioning” and “low functioning” often attributed to Autism.

Why are functioning labels unhelpful?

They Can Impact Support Options

Using a label such as “high functioning” or “low functioning” can impact the level of support a child may receive. 

With a “high functioning” label, a child may be dismissed as not needing much support as the term implies they can function at a higher level. They may present as confident or highly intelligent and, in turn, be overlooked for support in areas they struggle with. 

In contrast, “low functioning” has negative connotations and may imply the child needs extra support as they cannot be independent. This label can be attributed to children with verbal communication difficulties and leads them to be overlooked for opportunities offered to their peers despite the option of other communication methods.

The Don’t Account for Change or Growth

A label becomes something that sticks once it’s heard and is difficult to change. 

As a child receives support or as they grow, their abilities and communication levels may change. With that in mind, fixing a label to that child is unhelpful. It can keep them at a certain level or receive support in areas where they may not need it anymore. 

These labels can hinder a child’s development. They can keep them in a specific category or result in a child believing they may never succeed in certain areas of their life.

They Are Generic and Oversimplified

Labels are generic and often oversimplify whatever they are attached to. Labelling a child’s abilities is unhelpful. It doesn’t consider the nuances of their communication skills or strengths in other areas. 

Fixing the label “low functioning” to a child who does not use mouth words doesn’t account for the other methods of communication they use, such as sign language or AAC devices.

Rather than continue to use these labels, we can instead focus on a child’s abilities and their support needs to ensure they thrive at home, in school and in the community. 

References:

Neurodiversity: Functioning labels help no-one | BDJ Team (nature.com)

Why functioning labels are damaging and irrelevant – Bristol Autism Support

Higher or Lower? Why using functional labels to describe autism is problematic – Psychiatry-UK

Autism functioning labels: What are they, what harm do they do and how can we change our language when speaking about autism? – Student Life (lincoln.ac.uk)