In the Autism communities, the terms “high functioning” and “low functioning” are used quite a lot. However, when asked, the communities are unable to agree upon defining criteria for each. This has led me to look for a clinical description for each, specifically for Autism. However, I was only able to find the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), which is not Autism specific but can be applied to all diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR.
The GAF does not use the terms “high” or “low” functioning, but uses a numeric scale from 0 to 100, based on a person's overall and cumulative rating in social, occupational, academic and psychological functioning. While it does include communication, it is not completely based on one's ability to speak.
I recall that some of the community definitions used speaking and some used IQ as the defining criteria for functioning. However, there seems to be problems with that. For one, there are critics of IQ test results who say that IQ tests are only for measuring learning, not for assessing ability. Researchers have been critical of IQ tests towards Autistics since a lot of tests are language and cultural reference specific, and results are inaccurate. As for using speaking as a defining criteria, it has been noted that the ability to speak does not indicate ability to communicate and articulate, nor does it accurately represent abilities in other functioning areas.
The symptoms of Asperger syndrome look slightly different in girls than in boys, according to a study published earlier this month in Research in Developmental Disabilities1. This study and a spate of other recent ones suggest that with available diagnostic tests, higher-functioning girls with autism are being diagnosed either later than boys, or are altogether missed.
In the new study, Swedish researchers showed that 18 new questions on a revised Autism Spectrum Screening Questionnaire lead to very different response profiles for school-age boys versus girls who have Asperger syndrome.
Autism Women's Network 2011 Kudos to the Autism Community
Written by Sharon daVanport
Early April 2011 began with Rethinking Autism releasing their newest PSA: Autism Support Group. It was really great to see actress, and autistic advocate, Tammy Klein starring in the newly released Public Service Announcement. What an amazing message and rockin' video coming from Dana Commandatore and Michael Broderick's camp again!
During the month of May we saw the release of one of the most widely acclaimed and honored autism documentaries, Loving Lampposts: Living Autistic. The film's director, Todd Drezner captures the diversity of autism, the community, and the many voices therein, by simultaneously shining a light on the many angles of autism and neurodiversity.
Then there were blogs, blogs and more blogs! In 2011, the autism community made an about face from years past when this year it insisted that blogging positive was the way to go for autism advocacy's future. The shining stars whom the autism community praised as 'getting it right' not only did so due to their authentic approach, but because of their honest style, and their insistence on hurting no one in the process.
Perhaps the most buzzed about blogs are those of autistic advocate Rachel Cohen-Rottenberg's, Journeys with Autism: "Autistic Blogs" and "Positive Autism Parenting Blogs." Rachel explains, "The divide between autistics and parents can feel very deep and wide, but I’m determined to help bridge it by highlighting blogs that I feel do an excellent job of balancing the challenges of parents with respect for autistic people."
Autism and Empathy: Dispelling Myths and Breaking Stereotypes is Rachel's other blog where she posts a variety of contributions from other bloggers as well as personally blogging herself in this richly vulnerable and honest format which lays bare the many colors of truth encompassing the autism spectrum via empathy, tolerance, and loving acceptance.
New to the blogosphere is autistic advocate, and sex and disability blogger, Lindsey Nebeker. Lindsey's blog at Naked Brain Ink includes a recent post with an informative slideshow addressing the barriers which disabled people oftentimes face, and why sexual rights and disability advocacy matter.
Autistic Research Participants Needed: Fleur Wiorkowski, an autistic PhD dissertation research student is seeking to bring the voices of those on the autism spectrum into the research conversation regarding higher education.
If you are:
- an adult on the autism spectrum
- have attended college/university (at any time in your life - you don't have to be enrolled right now)
United States of Autism Movie: Upcoming Film Festival Delays Nebraska Premiere
AWN Nebraska had planned to do a showing of the United States of Autism Movie in December 2011, however, due to the prospect of upcoming film festivals, Executive Producer, Rich Everts is bound by eligibility requirements to postpone the Nebraska showing until a later date. AWN Nebraska and Everts would still like to coordinate a Nebraska showing of the US of Autism Movie after all film festival eligibility requirements have been satisfied. Details will be forthcoming as soon as they are available.
Women with Asperger Syndrome: Staying Healthy and Safe
Saturday, December 3, 2011 from 9:15AM to 12:00PM Eastern Time, USA
AANE Main Office
51 Water Street, Suite 206, Watertown, MA 02472
In sharing her inspiring story, Professor Liane Holliday Willey makes it clear that it is possibile to not only survive- but thrive. Addressing the trials and tribulations women with AS face that can endanger their happiness, self-esteem, and quality of life, Liane speaks from personal experience with predators, self-injury, depression, and anger. Sponsored by the Pomroy Foundation.
Understanding, Supporting, and Living with Asperger Syndrome
Friday, December 2, 2011 from 9:15AM to 11:30AM, Eastern Time, USA
The National Heritage Museum
33 Marrett Road, Lexington, MA 02421
Professor Liane Holliday Willey shares her journey as a person with Asperger Syndrome and a parent of an Aspie. From her unique perspective, Liane will address the challenges peopel with AS face and provide practical support in improving communication skills, executive functioning, and emotional challenges.
I joined Georgetown University's disability awareness club, DiversAbility, now in its second year, upon arriving at campus. During one of our previous meetings, one of the club's officers mentioned that we will be hosting an "Ability Lunch," which had been done last year, in which people sit at different tables and simulate different disabilities -- for example, wearing a blindfold to simulate blindness or having one’s arm tied behind one’s back to simulate inability to use a limb or lack of a limb -- while eating lunch. I immediately raised objection to the idea, and was told that the discussion following the lunch included criticism of the event.
If that is so, if the flaws in holding such an event are recognized, then why is this event held?
Happy Five Year Anniversary ASAN! Tonight, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s celebration will take place at The National Press Club in Washington, DC from 6:30–9:00 pm.
The 1st Annual Award for Exceptional Services to the Autistic Community will be given to Kathryn Bjornstad and Autism Women's Network Director of Networking, Corina Becker. Bjornstad and Becker are the creators of Autistics Speaking Day. This award is given to those who have helped to build the Autistic community through exceptional advocacy, ingenuity or service.
In the Autism communities, the terms “high functioning” and “low functioning” are used quite a lot. However, when asked, the communities are unable to agree upon defining criteria for each. This has led me to look for a clinical description for each, specifically for Autism. However, I was only able to find the Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), which is not Autism specific but can be applied to all diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR. 
The symptoms of Asperger syndrome look slightly different in girls than in boys, according to a study published earlier this month in Research in Developmental Disabilities1. This study and a spate of other recent ones suggest that with available diagnostic tests, higher-functioning girls with autism are being diagnosed either later than boys, or are altogether missed. 
Early April 2011 began with 
Autistic Research Participants Needed: Fleur Wiorkowski, an autistic PhD dissertation research student is seeking to bring the voices of those on the autism spectrum into the research conversation regarding higher education. 
I joined Georgetown University's disability awareness club, DiversAbility, now in its second year, upon arriving at campus. During one of our previous meetings, one of the club's officers mentioned that we will be hosting an "Ability Lunch," which had been done last year, in which people sit at different tables and simulate different disabilities -- for example, wearing a blindfold to simulate blindness or having one’s arm tied behind one’s back to simulate inability to use a limb or lack of a limb -- while eating lunch. I immediately raised objection to the idea, and was told that the discussion following the lunch included criticism of the event. 
Happy Five Year Anniversary ASAN! Tonight, the Autistic Self Advocacy Network’s 
