Why do scientists consider autism and low-functioning autism to be on the same spectrum? Low-functioning should be considered a completely different disorder and the name is super bad because low-functioning autists are usually smarter than high-functioning autists. I think that the psychologists just don't really understand what they are talking about when it comes to autism. They aren't some all-knowing force that can just dictate reality. I think studies of autism are done by idiots who don't really understand the disorder that well. Can autism be detected with a brain scan like schizophrenia can? I don't think autism can be detected physically with a brain scan but if somebody has actual evidence otherwise please post your citation. It just shows they don't understand this disorder that much. I really don't think aspergers is the same thing as low-functioning autism.