High-Functioning Autism: An Introduction

Today, the conversation around Autism Spectrum Disorder is more active than ever, as more and more people are being diagnosed with Autism. As the definition of Autism changes, so do the treatment options and societal expectations that ASD patients are forced to cope with. Particularly, those with high-functioning Autism may face unique challenges, as their symptoms and needs are not quite as obvious, as for patients with low-functioning Autism. Here, we address what life with high-functioning Autism may feel like.

Understanding Autism

Autism or Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) refers to a range of neurodevelopmental disorders that affect social, behavioral, and communicative abilities. It affects the way patients perceive other people and situations, and often includes repetitive movements and language delays. Autism has no cure, but the patient can gain more control with the right treatment.

What is high-functioning Autism?

Every case of Autism is unique and no two children will display the same symptoms. There is however, a spectrum of Autism symptoms that range from low-functioning to high-functioning. High-functioning Autism typically describes cases where children have normal to high levels of intelligence, allowing them to process better. However, they may still experience difficulty in communication and application regarding everyday activities. Adults with high-functioning Autism may learn to ‘mask’ their symptoms well enough to be able to perform at a job and maintain social relations, like their neurotypical peers. In certain cases, patients with high-functioning Autism may fit in so well with neurotypical people that they might not get diagnosed until later in life.

Symptoms of high-functioning Autism

Today, there is no single agreed-upon definition of what high-functioning Autism looks like. Typically, it is used to describe individuals who have high IQs and verbal intelligence, while displaying social and communication delays that meet the criteria for ASD. Signs of high-functioning Autism may include:

Emotional sensitivity: Patients may have a hard time controlling their emotions on trivial matters, such as having to wait a few minutes for a cab.

Sensory processing issues: Individuals may be highly sensitive to loud noises, bright lights, pungent smells, and so on, which can make it hard for them to visit public places like malls or movie theaters.

Social delays: Patients may have trouble making friends, sharing things, or participating in group activities.

Fixating on specific things: Patients may keep talking about the same topic or playing the same song repeatedly.

Excessive reliance on routines: Those with high-functioning Autism will typically follow the same routine every day, down to the exact minute. Any deviation from the routine, however slight, can cause frustration and even temper tantrums.

Verbal difficulties: Patients may have trouble expressing themselves normally when they are under stress. They may also be unable to understand sarcasm or humor, which could potentially make social interactions tougher.

Self-focused: Patients tend to think and act only according to their own needs, without considering what others might want. For example, they may talk continuously about themselves or their own opinions, making it difficult to drive conversation forward.

Diagnosing high-functioning Autism

If your child has Autism Spectrum Disorder, they will typically display some form of social or communication-related delay at an early age. It is best to take your child to an ASD specialist for effective diagnosis. When it comes to high-functioning Autism, the physician will typically use one of three specialized scales to assess the child’s symptoms, and make a conclusive diagnosis. These include:

Autism Spectrum Rating Scale (ASRS): This is used for children between one and a half to eighteen years of age. It employs observational data, based on inputs from the child’s teachers and caregivers, to assess whether the child meets the diagnostic criteria for ASD.

Autism Diagnostic Interview, Revised (ADI-R): This is used to diagnose Autism in children aged four years or more, and takes the form of a structured interview.

Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS): This is a standardized assessment of a child’s imaginative play and social interaction to see whether they meet the criteria for ASD. The test is regarded as the gold standard for ASD diagnosis, and can be used for both children and adults.

Treatment for high-functioning Autism

For those with high-functioning Autism, Behavioral Therapy is the most common treatment option. A thorough psychological evaluation will also help detect any other conditions the patient may have. Around 70% of people with ASD get diagnosed with a comorbid condition such as anxiety, ADHD, Depression, or Bipolar Disorder. It is essential to choose therapy for high-functioning Autism which does not interfere with treatment for comorbidity.

Living with high-functioning Autism

Most individuals with high-functioning Autism are able to manage well in a neurotypical environment, including performing daily activities independently and managing a job. However, symptoms such as sensory processing issues and anxiety can still lead to difficulties at the workplace. If there are deviations from a schedule, for instance, they may display an extreme emotional reaction, like bursting into tears or flying into a temper. They may also have trouble planning or making long-term decisions, and abiding by them. At times, moreover, the pressure of masking symptoms in an attempt to appear neurotypical can lead to what is known as an Autism burnout, which can cause temporary deficits in functioning.

Much of the difficulty in living with Autism comes from the stigma surrounding it and the use of language that treats it as a deficit that should be ‘cured’. In fact, individuals with high-functioning Autism often have unique strengths, which warrant a strengths-based approach to treatment. Family members and friends can help by actively creating awareness to reduce Autism-related stigma. People with high-functioning Autism may also wish to join organizations run by and for ASD patients in order to enjoy a sense of community.

FAQs

Does high functioning Autism qualify for a disability?

ASD is regarded as a developmental disability. However, since high-functioning Autism is not a formal diagnosis, it is not counted as a disability.

Can someone with high functioning Autism live a normal life?

Most people with high-functioning Autism are able to live a regular life that includes work, leisure activities, and social and emotional interactions. They may, however, benefit from therapy in dealing with personal difficulties, such as maintaining relationships.

What is the mildest form of Autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder covers multiple forms of Autism that were earlier diagnosed as separate conditions. Among these, the most common is Asperger’s Syndrome, a term previously used for a type of mild Autism. Many people today still use Asperger’s Syndrome to describe their condition.

Is Autism genetic or hereditary?

It is difficult to judge the exact cause of any individual case of Autism. Scientists agree that genetics play a significant role, including genetic conditions (like Fragile X Syndrome) and affect the way the brain develops. Moreover, families where the firstborn child has Autism are at increased risk of the second child also having Autism.

How can you prevent Autism in babies?

Given that there is no single cause for Autism, there is currently no way to prevent it in babies. It may affect any child irrespective of race, nationality, or geography.

Is there a cure for Autism?

Although there is currently no cure for Autism, early diagnosis and timely intervention can help children acquire the behavioral, social, and linguistic skills they need to function and participate in daily life. The earlier treatment begins, the better the outcome.

What are the warning signs of Autism?

Children with Autism will typically display social and communication delays before they are two years old. Signs could include avoiding eye contact, not responding when addressed by name, not showing affection towards caregivers, resisting hugs, resisting playtime with caregivers, and so on.

Is high functioning Autism hereditary?

ASD occurrence has been linked to genetic traits. However, it is impossible to say whether any individual case of high-functioning ASD has hereditary origins.

What percentage of Autism is high functioning?

Studies show that high functioning Autism accounts for around 0.6% of ASD diagnoses. However, given that people with high functioning Autism can often pass for neurotypical leads to them not getting tested for ASD. The actual percentage may well be higher.

Final word

It is important to remember that high-functioning Autism manifests differently for different patients. Regardless of what their skills are, they deserve support just like anyone with an ASD diagnosis, and should be enabled to optimally use their strengths. With the right support at school and work and an enabling network, individuals with high functioning Autism can enjoy a healthy and fulfilling life.