What is ‘high-functioning’ in high-functioning autism?

Abstract

In several diagnostic manuals of disabilities and disorders, High-Functioning Autism (HFA) is omitted and/or remains an unofficial diagnostic term. However, in 2007, the American Academy of Special Education Professionals has given it an official diagnostic code AU-4.00 in its Educator’s Diagnostic Manual of Disabilities and Disorders (EDM). This has rekindled research to re-look at HFA if it deserves to be given its own diagnostic code. Today, HFA refers to autistics who possess average/above-average intelligence and function in typical settings. This paper explores what ‘high-functioning’ is in the enigmatic condition of HFA.