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What Exactly Is High Functioning Autism?

Emily Swank

May 21, 2020

high functioning autism

 

In a somewhat straightforward way, high functioning autism is what was previously diagnosed as Asperger's Syndrome. Asperger’s was catalogued as being one of the 5 types of autism, along with PDD-NOS, Autistic Disorder, Childhood Disintegrative Disorder and Rett Syndrome. However, since 2013, all of the above have put under the umbrella term of autism spectrum disorder, or ASD for short. High functioning autism refers to people that are more self-dependent on the spectrum.

high functioning autism symptoms

In fact, this is precisely why the new diagnosis explains this neurodevelopmental condition as being a spectrum. Some people are going to have a more severe form, which restricts their daily life to a higher degree, while others are going to require minimal support. This new way of thinking about ASD can also be described as levels of autism. High functioning autism falls under level 1, and this means that while symptoms of ASD will always be present in their life, they can perform neurotypical activities just fine. They can dress themselves, brush their teeth, cook for themselves, ride a bike, even hold down a job without much difficulty. 

The difficulties that they do face become more apparent in the context of social interaction. While they can verbally communicate in more or less the same way as their typically developing peers, it is their nonverbal and paraverbal skills which need some work. For example, they may talk too loudly for a given situation, or not respect distance boundaries that are implicit for neurotypical individuals. Perhaps one of the most common high functioning autism symptoms is not necessarily avoiding eye contact, but there’s definitely less eye contact in their interactions. This isn’t because they don’t like a certain person, or they’re trying to lie about something, it’s simply that it may be more difficult for them. In fact, many autistic adults report that eye contact is actually physically painful for them and so that is why they avoid it.

Some Other High Functioning Autism Symptoms

Aside from the above, there are a few others characteristics of this level 1 type of autism. For example, a lack of smiling socially, or a manifestation of happy behavior by children by 6 months. Also in toddlers, a lack of babbling is common, as well as not responding or reacting when being called by their name. 

An additional thing which can suggest a person is autistic is hyper focusing on tasks or subjects of choice. For example, children can line up trains and just stare at them for long periods of times, while teenagers can be incredibly interested in a subject at school, and pursue it until they know every little detail. Once they consider that the subject has been exhausted though, a sudden drop of interest can be shown. This type of behavior can be applied to their romantic lives as well; once their partner no longer “intrigues” them, they can seem cold or distant. However, this isn’t at all true, as high functioning autism doesn’t make someone devoid of emotion. People with ASD just manifest their feelings differently, and feel things differently overall, as their senses are heightened. Because of this, autism meltdowns can occur, or sensory overloads which can leave them seriously distressed. On a positive note, repetitive or restrictive behaviors aren’t common.

Therapy Options for High Functioning Autism

There is no “cure” for ASD, and as a general rule, remember that autistic individuals do not feel they need to be "cured". Autism, and the traits they go along with it, aren't something you "have" but just part of who you are. In many cases, you may not realize someone has high functioning autism. But, where it is usually the most obvious is in crowded or social situations.

signs of high functioning autism

That is where the telltale signs of high functioning autism most often come into play, as you can see them using ear plugs, or staying as far away as possible, even trying to get away. While this is completely normal, since like I’ve mentioned, their sensory intake is more active, it can create difficult situations at times. This is why  types of therapy such as social skills therapy are being provided by various specialists, nationwide. The aim is to help autistic people manage social contexts to the best of their ability. The themes can include how to better interpret the facial expressions of others, to how to respect generally accepted nonverbal guidelines, and so on.

Because other than that, the signs of high functioning autism aren’t as severe as those associated with a level 2 or a level 3 diagnosis. If your own child is on the spectrum and you’re looking for treatment, you can search for autism providers on our platform, completely for free, because we believe finding help should be easy.

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About The Author
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Emily Swank
Owner and founder of Autism Assistant. My goal is to help parents find the resources they need, not just with therapists and doctors, but for all aspects of their lives. Because finding help should be easy.

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