Episode Details

High Functioning Autism vs Asperger’s, The Differences Explained

The terms high functioning autism and Asperger’s are still used everywhere, even though they are no longer official diagnoses. This causes a lot of confusion, frustration, and misunderstanding. In this episode, we break down what these labels actually mean, where they came from, and why they were removed.

You will learn the real history behind Asperger’s and high functioning autism, and how autism diagnosis changed in 2013. We explain autism levels in plain language and how people were grouped before everything became autism spectrum disorder. This includes why Asperger’s was often linked to intelligence, speech, and independence, and why that idea caused harm.

We also talk about access to support. Many people diagnosed with Asperger’s were denied help because their diagnosis did not say “autism.” This episode explains why that mattered, and why the change was necessary.

If you have ever been confused about where you fit on the spectrum, or why people argue over these labels, this episode gives you clear answers without medical jargon. It focuses on real life experience, not outdated terms.