Accepting the Word Autistic/Autism

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I also have another question that I wanna ask. I figure asking it here is easier than making a sepatate post.

What's the deal with functioning labels? From what I encounter online, it seems that they are generally hated and their use strongly discouraged.

The definition of "functioning" is: "to carry on a function or be in action." The definition of "low" is: "situated or passing below the normal level, surface, or base of measurement ; falling short of some standard." "High" would be the opposite of low, obviously.

I'm struggling to see how refering to someone whose impairments leave them unable to perform basic self-care needs - something that comes with functioning independently in life - as low functioning is not correct. Functioning on a lower level seems to mean functioning in a way that is falling short of carrying out the standard of abilities that come with living independently. It reminds me of the phrase that people use when they're having a rough day: "I just couldn't function today."

We all have impairments that effect us at different severities, so when I hear the label "high functioning" it makes me think of being able to function at a higher level that what is typical of those with autism. I know that some of those who the experts (or whoever) would consider high functioning sometimes struggle just as much in particular areas as someone who others may consider low functioning. I think I grasp how a spectrum isn't the best way of talking about the differences between people with autism.

I'm just having a hard time figuring out where it is I'm not seeing something more clearly so that I can understand better. To me, the literal definitions fit.

Yes. Attitudes of the ignorant won't begin to change without eduation, and that education has to be done by people on the spectrum, individually if not collectively (I wish). There are numerous opportunities and ways of doing this. It doesn't need to involve personal one to one communication (though that's good too).
The autistic community has to take on that responsibility more widely. The bloggers do their piece, and many do it very well online, like Musings of an Aspie, Woman with Aspergers, so many others too. You can write letters, give interviews, write free lance articles, comment on newspapers like the Guardian, form a support group, lots of other things, it is a snowball effect that gets going. This may happen in the next few years, I certainly pray that it does. Once it reaches a critical mass, there are attitudinal shifts in the general population, then the media follows that trend.. All that needs to happen is for inertia to be overcome in the ASD community.

A different view of the DSM 5 from what I often read here and elsewhere:

http://www.zurinstitute.com/dsmcritique.html