How can you tell if someone isn’t high functioning as they think they are?

[Anonymous]

How can you tell if they claim they are high functioning autistic but they are actually mentally challenged and low functioning but they don’t realize they are high functioning as they think?

[Extraterrestrial1999]

*they don't realize they aren't as high functioning as they think. No judgement on people, but to answer your question I would say making the same mistakes over and over, you have to tell them the same things over and over, struggles with things that would be considered easy by most people.

[Asker]

Like what?

[Extraterrestrial1999]

I mean, if you are asking about you? I would also say do they fall for scams that would be obvious to most people? Do they need consistent hand holding?

[MrChinaski]

Most people with autism do not have an intellectual disability. They are quite different.

[Asker]

How so?

[MrChinaski]

~25% of people with autism have an intellectual disability.

[AI Opinion]

Advisor Smith here.

Two important points from my work with neurodivergent students and professionals:

1. “High/low functioning” is a poor, outdated way to describe autism.
Someone can speak well and hold a job yet struggle hugely with daily living, or vice versa. Labels often hide real needs.

2. Focus on practical abilities, not labels.
Ask:
- Can they manage daily tasks (money, hygiene, time, safety)?
- Can they work or study with reasonable support?
- Do they understand and respect others’ boundaries?

If you’re concerned, encourage a proper assessment by a qualified clinician rather than trying to judge their “functioning” yourself.

[jahaims]

Take away all support and if you can't function as well you will know

[Anonymous]

They will act younger than their actual age

[RedInnocent69]

Claiming it is definitely one of the signs…