.svg)
.svg)
Autism exists on a spectrum.
Some people will experience certain symptoms in a certain way while others will not and vice versa.
This has led to a term in the community known as “high functioning autism.”
But what exactly does this mean, and how is it identified and diagnosed?
What is High Functioning Autism?
High functioning autism is not an official medical diagnosis.
Instead, it’s an informal term used to describe individuals with autism who are able to speak, write, read, and handle basic everyday tasks.
These people can live independently and hold down jobs with minimal interruptions to their daily lives.
High functioning autism is not an official medical diagnosis. Instead, it’s an informal term used to describe individuals with autism who are able to speak, write, read, and handle basic everyday tasks.
Again, autism is a spectrum.
Some with autism are unable to take care of themselves while others may be challenged by social interactions and dislike eye contact.
Signs & Symptoms of High Functioning Autism
Everyone experiences autism differently.
Those with high functioning autism may not experience as many symptoms as others, but they may still exhibit mild challenges, both physical and emotional… some of these include:
Atypical Movement Patterns:
Toe walking is a common high functioning autism sign. It typically manifests in younger children as young as two years old. The person walks on their toes, which can lead to foot pain over time.
Focus on Self:
It may be difficult for people with high functioning autism to develop deep bonds with others. It can be tough to let other people talk, as the individual with autism merely wants to focus on themselves.
Disliking Change:
Many people with high functioning autism keep the same routine, like eating the same thing for breakfast and lunch every day. Any disruption to the routine can result in an emotional outburst.
Repetitive Habits:
A similar symptom of high functioning autism is repeating the same task over and over again. The person may tie and untie their shoes repeatedly before they are happy.
Issues with Physical Sensations:
Sensory difficulties can be common with high functioning autism. There may be a a deep intolerance to noises, smells, and tastes.
Social Problems:
People with high functioning autism may have trouble making friends. They may have difficulty working in a group or sharing their toys.
Linguistic Issues:
Whereas low functioning autism may result in speech delays, individuals with high functioning autism may actually start talking sooner than normal. They may develop a larger vocabulary sooner and create an interest in niche topics.
Emotional Sensitivity:
Intense emotional reactions are common with high functioning autism. A mild inconvenience may cause someone to fixate on that event for the entire day and get worked up over it.
Symptoms of High Functioning Autism in Females
Men are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than women.
However, it’s unclear if boys are more likely to develop autism or if it’s merely underdiagnosed in females.
Men are more likely to be diagnosed with autism than women.
Men and women often experience the same autism symptoms; however, it’s been noted that males can have more visible behavioral issues while women may internalize their symptoms more.
Signs of High Functioning Autism in Children & Adults
While high functioning autism may not be as noticeable as other variations, parents can still keep an eye out for certain symptoms that may be present, amongst them may include:
Age 2:
2 year olds with mild autism may not respond when their names are being called.
Age 3:
In addition to delayed social skills, three year olds with high functioning autism may engage in repeated behaviors, such as having very specific or having strange routines.
Age 4:
At four years of age, kids with high functioning autism may showcase behavioral issues, such as aggression and impulsivity. They may have unusual reactions to certain tastes and smells.
Age 5:
At five years of age, children should begin making friends at school. But kids with high functioning autism may have trouble engaging in social scenarios. They may prefer playing by themselves and start showcasing narrow, niche interests.
In Adulthood:
Sometimes, high functioning autism isn’t diagnosed until adulthood. This usually happens because the person realizes they have trouble recognizing what others are feeling or thinking. They may experience social anxiety and find it difficult to say what they feel.
What Can High Functioning Autism Look Like in Undiagnosed Adults?
The symptoms of high functioning autism may be so mild people go into adulthood without an official diagnosis.
Or they may think they have social anxiety or other mental health challenges.
However, the following symptoms may be enough to have someone seek out a professional opinion.
Difficulty with Conversations:
Adults with high functioning autism may have trouble reading social cues and empathizing with others. They may also have a flat, robotic way of talking.
Having Niche Interests:
Adults with autism may develop odd, niche interests. This can include reading every book on a particular subject or developing hobbies unusual hobbies.
Treating High Functioning Autism
While there is no cure for autism, there are therapies available that can help.
Parents have various options at their disposal, including talk therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy.
While there is no cure for autism, there are therapies available that can help.
Parents can also look into applied behavioral analysis (ABA) therapy where the goal is to decrease harmful behaviors and increase desirable ones.
Adults with high functioning autism can also look into those same therapies.
Medication may also be prescribed, including antidepressants, anti-anxiety drugs, and stimulants.
Additional FAQs
What does high functioning autism look like?
High functioning autism can look different from one person to the next.
Some people may have mild issues with social interactions, such as finding it difficult to talk to others.
Certain individuals may be stuck to a routine and perform repetitive actions.
Regardless, people with high functioning autism can experience these symptoms while having minimal issues going to school or working a job.
What is the difference between autism and high functioning autism?
High functioning autism isn’t an official medical diagnosis.
Therefore, certain medical professionals may disagree on who qualifies for the designation.
A professional may determine a person has autism but will not provide any further clarification outside of what treatments a person should seek out.
Can you be high functioning autistic and not know it?
Many people may have high functioning autism without realizing it.
That’s because they’re able to speak and read normally and keep a job with relative ease.
They may assign any behavioral issues to being socially anxious when there may be something different or else also going on.
References:
https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/lists/5-symptoms-of-high-functioning-autism/
https://www.webmd.com/brain/autism/high-functioning-autism
https://psychcentral.com/autism/comparison-of-boys-and-girls-living-with-autism-spectrum-disorder
https://www.healthline.com/health/autism-in-women#causes
https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-autism-in-4-year-old
