I am sharing a link to a terrific post that really resonated with me when it comes to the ‘high functioning’ label that can often be associated with people on the autism spectrum.
Often, the “high functioning” label is not used with an intention to be harmful or hurtful. However, as educators, we have to make sure that this label does not overshadow the real reasons that a person with autism is able to participate in that capacity – they are making enormous efforts to make it possible, and knowingly or not to those around them, there are most likely support-systems they are utilising to achieve this. It is vital that educators are mindful that as the challenges change, so do the supports necessary to continue progressing.
Happy teaching!
