What is High Functioning Autism?

A well-known saying within the autism community is, “If you’ve met one person with autism, you’ve met one person with autism,” emphasizing how unique each individual’s experience is.

Traits and symptoms can vary widely depending on where someone falls on the spectrum, from low functioning to high functioning autism.

Understanding this diversity begins with defining autism itself and taking a closer look at high functioning autism, a classification often misunderstood but vital to grasp. Let’s explore what it means and how it shapes the lives of those it affects.

Understanding autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a broad term used to describe a grouping of neurodevelopmental conditions. It can often affect a person’s way of interacting with others. 

People with autism often experience the world differently than their neurotypical peers. While the term autism covers a broad spectrum of symptoms, it is typically characterized by a delay in:

• speech, 
• social skills,
• motor skills, and
• repetitive behaviors. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring (ADDM) Network, an estimated one in 36 children has been diagnosed with ASD.

The autism spectrum is broad, covering different faces of autism. Because of this, people with autism can have differing personalities. Some can be talkative, while others are aloof. Some are affectionate, while others are not. There are many differences to be considered.

What is high functioning autism?

High functioning autism is used to describe people on the spectrum with standard intelligence who can read, write, and speak. It is not a medical term and is used informally to stress a particular group of people who do not fall under the category of classic autism.

People with high functioning autism may exhibit a delay or lack of social skills. They can have difficulty understanding the feelings and reactions of others which can make them appear to be insensitive at times.

Some people may struggle to interact and insist on talking about things they are passionate about instead. Sarcasm and humor are sometimes lost to a person with high functioning autism, and they might prefer to rely on movies and books to learn about social customs.

Types of high functioning autism

No two people with autism have the same symptoms and behavior. And because there are so many variables involved in autism diagnosis, the way each person experiences and exhibits autism can be very different.

When discussing the different types of high-functioning autism, several diagnoses fall under this category. These include:

• Asperger’s syndrome, 
• pathological demand avoidance (PDA), and
• Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS), also referred to as atypical autism.

Additionally, terms like mild autism, severe autism, and Broad Autism Phenotype may sometimes be used by medical professionals to describe varying traits and presentations.

Traits of high functioning autism

You might wonder, “What does high functioning autism look like?” or “How do we recognize high functioning autism in children?” There are no obvious indicators that a person has high functioning autism. Because of that, it can be hard to spot and diagnose.

Parents and school personnel are sometimes not able to notice high functioning autism signs until a child is older and social interactions become more complex.

A person with high functioning autism may thrive academically but struggle socially, which will have an impact on their confidence and self-esteem.

High-functioning autism symptoms include:

• Little or limited eye contact
• Problems understanding verbal cues
• Challenges relating to humor and/or sarcasm
• Monotonous voice
• Narrow interests and obsessions
• Difficulty maintaining relationships
• Clumsiness and sensitivity to specific stimuli

What is PDD-NOS?

Pervasive Developmental Disorder (Not Otherwise Specified) or PDD-NOS was a subtype of autism spectrum disorder before it was removed from the DSM-5 diagnostic manual.

PDD-NOS was used to refer to people with autism who do not fully meet the criteria to warrant a classic autism diagnosis. It’s a diagnosis used for someone who has some but not all characteristics of autism.

Unlike Asperger’s syndrome, people with pervasive developmental disorders have minor challenges in language and cognitive development.

Pervasive developmental disorders signs and symptoms

• Challenges in socializing and communicating with others
• Unusual play with toys
• Repetitive body movements (stimming)
• Resistance to change in routine

Children diagnosed with PDD-NOS are advised to pursue an Early Intervention Program (EIP) for a preschool child or an Individual Education Program (IEP) for a school-age child.

Managing symptoms of high functioning autism

Although there are several intervention strategies and resources available for the autism community, social skills training and applied behavioral analysis (ABA) are some of the common forms of interventions available.

Social skills training is now emerging as a way for people on the spectrum to deal with social challenges. Social skill therapists are all working toward one goal: to provide people with autism the ability to converse, share, play, and work with typical peers.

ABA is known to be the most effective treatment for autism. It can benefit a person with high functioning autism as it assists in managing challenging behaviors through positive reinforcement while teaching social and motor skills.

Understanding all forms of high functioning autism

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex condition that encompasses several subtypes. Wherever you or your child may find themself on the spectrum, it does not lessen the capabilities of each individual.

Whether an individual is considered “neurotypical” or “neurodivergent,” each person is capable of immense potential regardless of what the diagnosis may look like. 

FAQs

Q: What are the signs of high-functioning autism?

A: High-functioning autism is often characterized by difficulties with social interactions, repetitive behaviors, sensory sensitivities, and intense focus on specific interests. Individuals may also have challenges with understanding social cues while demonstrating average or above-average intelligence.

Q: Can you live a normal life with high-functioning autism?

A: Yes, many individuals with high-functioning autism can live fulfilling lives with the right support, such as therapy and accommodations. Success often depends on managing sensory sensitivities, communication challenges, and building supportive environments.

Q: What are examples of high-functioning autism?

A: Examples include individuals who excel in specialized fields, such as technology or art, but struggle with daily social interactions or sensory processing. Another example is someone who can maintain employment but needs routines or accommodations for managing stress.