Autism is referred to as a “spectrum” disorder because of the broad range and varying degrees of symptoms people experience. Some people with mild or “high functioning” autism are able to function more independently than those with more severe autism traits.
Let’s take a closer look at the characteristics of high functioning autism and the unique needs and challenges of those on the high end of the spectrum.
What is High Functioning Autism?
The term High Functioning Autism (HFA) is often used interchangeably with Asperger’s syndrome, “slight autism”, or “smart autism:. However, it’s important to remember that it’s not an official medical term or diagnosis. It’s an informal term that people use to talk about autistic individuals who can speak, read, write, and manage basic life skills.
The term “Asperger’s Syndrome” is also an outdated diagnostic term. In 1994, it was introduced as a diagnostic category in the DSM-IV. However, in 2013, it was officially removed as a diagnosis. The 5th edition eliminated Persistent Depressive Disorder (PDD) and its subtypes and merged most of them under a new category called Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
Low Functioning Autism vs High Functioning Autism
Like high-functioning autism, the term “low functioning autism” does not exist as an official medical diagnosis. DSM-5, however, categorized Autism Spectrum Disorder into three levels of severity:
- Level 1– requires support
- Level 2– requires substantial support
- Level 3– requires very substantial support.
Following the DSM-5 diagnostic guidelines, high functioning autism or Asperger’s syndrome meets the criteria of Level 1. Although it’s no longer an official medical term, those who were diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome before 2013 still use and strongly identify with the term.
However, people who have difficulties with communication or social interaction and display repetitive or restrictive behavior are now simply diagnosed with ASD regardless of the level of support they need.
What Are the Signs of High Functioning Autism?
Since Asperger’s or High Functioning Autism is under Level 1, they still require support but have lower support needs. Let’s explore the different high functioning autism characteristics in the following contexts:
Communication Skills
Unlike autistic individuals under Level 2 and 3, people with high functioning autism have stronger verbal communication skills. They can express their thoughts, engage in conversations, and comprehend complex language. However, they may have difficulty understanding nuanced communication. This includes humor, sarcasm, or indirect suggestions. This is mainly because of their Theory of Mind deficits, making it difficult for them to understand and infer the thoughts, feelings, and intentions of others.
Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory issues are common among individuals with ASD, but those with Level 1 autism may have less severe and less disruptive sensory challenges. People with high functioning autism are then better able to cope with certain sensory stimuli such as loud noises, bright lights, or crowded spaces. However, they can still be easily overwhelmed by sensory experiences that neurotypicals find tolerable.
Cognitive Functioning
Individuals with high functioning autism have average to above-average intelligence. They are able to pursue hobbies, academic success, and specialized careers with limited intervention. However, they may have difficulties with certain cognitive processes such as executive functioning. This makes planning, organization, time management, and task completion more challenging, which may frustrate both them and those around them.
Emotional Development
People with high functioning autism have a higher level of emotional awareness as compared to those with low functioning autism. They are better able to recognize their own emotions and those of others. However, they can still experience autistic meltdowns or shutdowns when situations become overwhelming. These meltdowns in the form of screaming, yelling, crying, or even aggression may appear like tantrums, but they are not a willful act. They are just in emotional distress due to sensory overload, frustration, or other situational triggers.
In general, people diagnosed with Level 1 autism or high functioning autism share a lot of symptoms with ASD Level 2 and 3, but they do not have delays in the use of language, cognitive development, and the development of self-help skills and adaptive behavior. They can perform daily tasks with greater independence, enabling them to live independently and manage responsibilities with minimal support.
What Causes High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Both genetic and environmental factors can play a role in the development of ASD. Studies have shown that certain genes are more at risk of developing autism. However, there are environmental contributing factors as well such as prenatal exposure to infections or toxins.
Possible genetic causes of high functioning autism include:
- Hereditary factors
- Spontaneous mutations
- Chromosomal abnormalities
- Polygenic risk factor
Possible environmental causes of high functioning autism include:
- Prenatal factors like exposure to certain medications or infections
- Advanced maternal or paternal age at conception
- Maternal nutrition deficiencies (e.g., folic acid)
- Perinatal factors (e.g, low birth weight, premature birth, or lack of oxygen)
- Exposure to toxins and air pollutants
- Lack of social interaction during the child’s critical developmental periods
When is High Functioning Autism Diagnosed?
Autism can be reliably diagnosed by the age of 2, but diagnosis for children with autism can start as early as 6 months. The earlier parents can detect high functioning autism, the better they can find appropriate support for their child.
Early signs of Level 1 autism include:
- Limited eye contact
- Monopolizing conversations or having limited topics of interest
- Tendency to take language literally
- Insistence on sameness in routines
- Repetitive movements like rocking or hand-flapping
- Intense hobbies or interests in specific areas
- Overreacting or underreacting to sensory stimuli
- Emotional outbursts or withdrawal when overwhelmed and difficulty managing emotions
Unfortunately, because of their average or above-average intelligence levels and their tendency to mask their symptoms, individuals with high-functioning autism are often misdiagnosed or go undiagnosed until a later age.
If high functioning autism is left undiagnosed or diagnosed late, individualis may internalize their struggles as personal failures, affecting their self-image and self-confidence. They may also grow up feeling lonely or isolated due to their difficulties in navigating social situations. Those with executive functioning challenges may not find the coping strategies they need, which can affect their job performance or career advancement.
Early diagnosis allows for access to effective interventions like behavioral therapy, social skills training, and academic support. However, if you or your loved one has been diagnosed late, it’s never too late to seek help. There are various therapies and interventions that can help develop the necessary skills and coping strategies to thrive in personal and professional settings.
ABA Therapy for High Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorder
ABA therapy is a comprehensive approach that can help address the challenges of high functioning autism . It focuses on skill development, communication, and behavior modification. It can also be effective for both children and adults with autism, be it Level 1, 2, or 3.
Those with high functioning autism can benefit from ABA therapy as it helps enhance the following:
- Self-management strategies
- Adaptive responses
- Emotional regulation
- Peer interaction
- Skill building
ABA therapy is also highly individualized, so each program can be tailored to your unique set of needs, strengths, and challenges. If you’re looking for effective and personalized ABA therapy in North Carolina, you can rely on Bright Bridge ABA. We have all the tools you need to advance in social, behavioral and communicative areas.
Contact us today to explore our services or book a consultation!