The Problem with Functioning Labels

Please try and refrain from using the “high-functioning” label to describe a cognitively able child because this label has absolutely nothing to do with a neurodivergent child's ability to function in all areas on a day-to-day basis...By labeling a child in this way you are facilitating and depriving children of their much-needed access to additional support and services.

Consider this....

Just because someone is intelligent, gifted or cognitively able does not automatically mean that they are able to “function highly” in other areas.

Managing daily tasks, self-regulation, ability to plan and stay organised, and mental health challenges are not determined by someone's Intelligence.

Please take a moment to think about a child’s day-to-day life experience when they are trying to navigate their way through a society that is not built for them. Persistently being told that the way they act and express themselves is all wrong.

Take a moment to think about how that feels and recognise that

A highly gifted child will not deal with depression and other mental health challenges better than someone who is not gifted.

Some gifted people have challenges with emotional regulation, and may completely meltdown in response to rejection or if something doesn’t go to plan.

A person with a lower IQ score can have better motor skills than a person with a higher IQ score who may have comorbidities such as dyspraxia and dysgraphia.

please consider that IQ, functioning, and support needs are completely independent of each other and the application of this “high functioning” label can result in a child being denied access to much-needed support services which ultimately leads to low self-esteem, mental health challenges, and trauma.

Be proactive, not reactive!

Because our children are our future

Teach them well and let them lead the way....Show them all the beauty they possess inside.... Give them a sense of pride to make it easier

Yours sincerely

An extremely tired, stressed, frustrated parent of a wonderful gifted child who has been failed by this ineffective and outdated system and its data-driven assessment of need using a checklist of tick boxes.

#timeforchange #support #autism #labels #earlyintervention

Image credit: @theexpertally