“You’re high-functioning, so it shouldn’t be a problem for you. You’re more than capable.”
This, and other comments I receive along those lines, elicit a very intense inner (and sometimes public) reaction in me. It’s extremely invalidating! As it is, I still sometimes beat myself up for being, well, me, so hearing that others also think that I’m just lazy or not trying hard enough, drives the nail in even deeper.
When people call me “high-functioning” it feels to me like they’re saying that my struggles aren’t real. Just because I’m seemingly high functioning in certain areas, doesn’t mean I don’t still struggle with it. I’m also low functioning in other areas. So labeling my entire experience as one thing doesn’t make sense.
The following video made it’s way into my notifications this week. I’ve been subscribed to Sam’s YouTube channel since last year, and while I find all her content brilliant, this is one that’s extra special. She explores this topic and explains it so well, putting words to those things that are a jumble in my head. Have a look, and if you like her content, please subscribe to her channel.
A Perfectly Imperfect Mind 