# Are there different types of autism, and what does "high-functioning" mean? > Why there's now one diagnosis, what happened to Asperger's, and why many families avoid functioning labels. URL: https://theautismkit.com/guides/types-of-autism By The Autism Kit team · Reviewed by [BCBA NAME], BCBA · Updated 2026-09-27 **Short answer:** Today there's one diagnosis: autism spectrum disorder. Until 2013, doctors used separate labels like Asperger's syndrome and PDD-NOS, but research showed they couldn't be told apart reliably, so they were combined. Instead of types, clinicians now describe a level of support needed. Terms like "high-functioning" are still common, but they often hide real needs. **Key takeaways** - There's **one diagnosis** now: **autism spectrum disorder**. - **Asperger's, PDD-NOS** and other labels were combined into it in **2013**. - Doctors describe **support needs with levels**, not types. - "High-functioning" and "low-functioning" are **not official** and often **mislead**. ## Are there different types of autism? Not officially, anymore. Before 2013, the diagnostic manual listed several separate conditions, including autistic disorder, Asperger's syndrome and pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS).[1] Research found that clinicians couldn't reliably tell these apart. The same child might get a different label at a different clinic. So the DSM-5 combined them into one diagnosis: **autism spectrum disorder**.[1] ## What happened to Asperger's? Asperger's syndrome described children who met criteria for autism but didn't have delays in early language or intellectual development. Since 2013, those children are diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, often with level 1.[2] Some adults and teens diagnosed before then still call themselves "Aspie" or say they have Asperger's. That's their choice. For a new diagnosis, you'll hear "autism" or "autism spectrum disorder." ## How do doctors describe differences now? Instead of types, clinicians add details to the diagnosis: - **A level** (1, 2 or 3) for how much support a child needs, rated separately for communication and for routines and repetitive behaviors. See [What are the levels of autism?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/levels-of-autism) - **Language**: whether a child has language differences or delays. - **Intellectual ability**: whether there's also an intellectual disability. - **Related conditions**, like ADHD, anxiety or a known genetic condition. Together, these describe your child far better than a single type ever did. ## What does "high-functioning autism" mean? It's an informal term, usually for autistic people who talk fluently and have average or higher intelligence. It isn't a diagnosis, and many autistic people and clinicians avoid it. The problem is that it suggests someone needs little help. A 2020 study found that IQ was a poor predictor of how children managed daily life: many children with average or higher IQ still had significant difficulties with everyday skills.[3] "Low-functioning" has the opposite problem: it can hide a child's strengths and understanding. **Words that work better.** Try describing needs directly: "needs a lot of support with changes," "talks fluently but finds friendships hard," or "communicates with pictures and a device." ## Why do families still hear these words? They're short, and some schools, websites and even professionals still use them. If someone uses one about your child, it's fine to ask what they mean: "Which kinds of support do you think my child needs?" **Ask your team if....** you're unsure what your child's diagnosis report means, or a label doesn't match what you see at home. The examples behind a level matter more than any single word. Free printable: [Free printable: appointment notes](https://theautismkit.com/printables/appointment-notes.pdf) ## What can I do with this? - [ ] Read your child's report for the level and details - [ ] Write down where your child needs the most support - [ ] Write down your child's strengths too - [ ] Ask your team about anything that doesn't fit Read next: [What is autism?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/what-is-autism) or [What are the early signs of autism?](https://theautismkit.com/guides/early-signs-of-autism) ## Common questions ### Is Asperger's still a diagnosis? Not in the U.S. manual used by doctors. Since 2013, Asperger's syndrome has been part of autism spectrum disorder. Some people diagnosed before then still use the word for themselves. ### What's the difference between mild and severe autism? These aren't official terms. Clinicians describe support needs with levels 1, 2 and 3, and a child's needs can be very different in different areas. ### Is PDD-NOS still used? No. Pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) was also folded into autism spectrum disorder in 2013. ## Sources 1. American Psychiatric Association: Highlights of changes from DSM-IV-TR to DSM-5. https://www.psychiatry.org/File%20Library/Psychiatrists/Practice/DSM/APA_DSM_Changes_from_DSM-IV-TR_-to_DSM-5.pdf 2. American Psychiatric Association: What is autism spectrum disorder? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/autism/what-is-autism-spectrum-disorder 3. Alvares GA, et al. The misnomer of 'high functioning autism': intelligence is an imprecise predictor of functional abilities at diagnosis. Autism, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362361319852831 General guidance, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. Talk with your pediatrician or a developmental specialist about your child's care.