yeahgr8

I have seen this expression bandied around for ages now.

My mother was a teacher at a special needs school for the mentally and physically handicapped. As adults some of the less severe cases were then encouraged to get jobs and homes. I have been privileged to see a good few of her previous students go on to work jobs enabling them to pay their own way, keep a clean and tidy home, finding a partner to share their lives with and some have children.

I would love to know what it is a high functioning alcoholic is with comparison to a physically/mentally handicapped individual who, as far as I can see, is as high functioning in society as a high functioning alcoholic and whether the alcoholic thinks they have more of a struggle to remain functioning than someone who us born with these obstacles to creating a "normal" life for themselves.

Does high functioning have to be earning a certain amount if money or have a x bed home, I don't get it and would love to hear some feedback?