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 ...

The functioning labels for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) aren’t part of a formal diagnosis and are considered outdated.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 ...

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 ...

"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 ...

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 ...