Have you ever wondered when somebody is said to have high functioning Autism? It is commonly used to refer to people with strong language and intellectual ability on the autism spectrum. It does not imply a medical diagnosis but indicates a distinct set of strengths and difficulties. Individuals with high-level Autism can be good in certain aspects that interest them and fail to adjust well to social life, sensory issues, and change. This presentation of Autism is important to understand in order to promote sincere inclusion and offer the appropriate assistance.
What Is High-Functioning Autism?
High-functioning Autism defines individuals within the range of Autism who possess average or higher intelligence but have difficulties in social communication and social behavior. High-functioning autistics may experience problems with socializing, eye contact, or group behavior, but excel at specific aspects, such as memory, detail, or interest.
Additionally, people with high-functioning Autism may not need much assistance in their daily lives; however, they may face issues at school, at work, or in any other areas of their social interactions because of challenges with social interaction and change adaptation. It is through the trainees that they can succeed in various environments, and with the understanding and support of the family, friends, and professionals.
Call us today to schedule your Telehealth
or in-office psychiatric appointment!
High Functioning Autism Symptoms
The following are typical signs and symptoms of high-functioning Autism:
- Flaws in the attitude to social cues, maintenance of social dialogue, or building social connections.
- Strong attachment or obsession with some things or hobbies at the cost of other things.
- Problem with change: Routines and aversion to change, either in place or time.
- Literary thinking: Problems with sarcasm, idioms, or abstractions.
- Abrupt care in detail, sometimes to the detriment of the greater good.
- Issues with planning, organizing, or time management.
Types of High Functioning Autism
1. Asperger’s Syndrome
Individuals who have Asperger’s Syndrome have good intellectual skills but have difficulties interacting with others. They are excessively interested in certain things and have difficulties comprehending social cues. They are literalists and cannot easily understand abstract ideas. They are very sensitive to sensory stimulations and possess repetitive tendencies. Attention to detail is one of the reasons why many people are good in areas of interest.
2. Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS)
Physicians use PDD-NOS when the symptoms do not entirely correspond to other forms of Autism. Patients with PDD-NOS experience minor social and communication problems. They do not exhibit more repetitive behaviors in contrast to classic Autism. They tend to be hypersensitive in their senses and routine-oriented. This is a type that is a catch-all for the on-the-spectrum individuals.
3. Nonverbal Learning Disorder (NVLD)
NVLD people are excellent in a verbal sense and poor in both nonverbal and spatial awareness. They have trouble understanding body language, facial expression, and social behavior. They are good at rote as well as verbal problems and are poor at problem-solving. They tend to be sensually sensitive and lack coordination.
4. Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1
According to the DSM-5, the clinicians would define the least severe form of Autism as ASD Level 1. Patients with Level 1 ASD can act independently, but it is rather hard to engage with people and communicate with them. They are routine-oriented, and duties may be repetitive. They are sensibly aware of issues that can interfere with their lives. We have many individuals who are good in some aspects since they have their own interests.
5. Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA)
PDA patients are highly resistant to daily challenges and expectations. To retain control, they resort to avoidance mechanisms (distraction or negotiation) most of the time. They may not be social with others, although they may seem very social in certain situations. The PDA people perform well in flexible and understanding environments.
High Functioning Vs Low Functioning Autism
| High Functioning Autism | Low Functioning Autism |
| Speech is often normal, but people may struggle with social interaction | Limited speech or non-verbal communication |
| Difficulty with social cues, but can develop relationships | Struggles significantly with forming relationships |
| Can live independently with minimal support | Requires significant support in daily living tasks |
| It may result in frustration, anxiety, or anger | May have more severe behavioral challenges or meltdowns |
| Learns new tasks and skills at a normal rate | Learning may be slower, requiring specialized education |
Is High Functioning Autism A Disability?
Yes, high-functioning Autism is a disability since it interferes with the way an individual relates to the world and copes with day-to-day living. Individuals who experience high-functioning Autism might have problems with socialization, communication, and change adaptation, and thus pursuing such activities as creating relationships or as employees can be more difficult. However, tend to possess special strengths like being highly focused, attentive to details, and excelling at certain things.
Similarly, it is a disability, but it does not imply that a person with high-functioning Autism cannot achieve success. Many people can make it at school, work, and in other relationships with the support of the right people, such as therapy, accommodations, and understanding. It is important to address both the weaknesses and the strengths of Autism to enable people to live up to their potential.
High Functioning Autism in Women
High-functioning Autism in women may present in a different way than it does in men, which is why it is difficult to identify. Women affected with a high-functioning autistic disorder can strive to conceal the disorder by imitating other people in society or by concealing their difficulties. They may be timid, silent, or even too talkative, but internally, they can be anxious or overwhelmed.
In addition, it is due to these differences that women who are affected by high-functioning Autism are mostly diagnosed later in life or misunderstood with other disorders, such as anxiety or depression. This is time wastage and may complicate their access to support. Nevertheless, with the proper awareness and support, women with high-functioning Autism can flourish. Hence, their specific strengths and insights allow them to accomplish their relationship, work, and personal objectives.
High Functioning Autism in Adults
Adults with high-functioning Autism may not interact with others and may not cope with their day-to-day lives normally. The high-functioning autistic adult can have difficulties in social contexts, such as the ability to interpret jokes, read body language, or small talk. They tend to have a routine and can be under stress in case of emerging changes and surprises. High-functioning Autism in many adults causes them to be very focused and good in certain aspects, such as technology, art, or science, where they are good at drawing attention to detail.
Furthermore, there are cases of high-functioning Autism in which adults are unable to identify as having the condition until they become adults, usually after having difficulties in relationships or employment. Diagnosis may make them feel more known to themselves, such as through therapy or workplace accommodations. Many adults who have high-functioning autism live successful and fulfilling lives based on the use of their special talents through the right tools and understanding, contributing significant content to their lives.
Schedule your appointment today
High-Functioning Autism and Intimacy
High-Functioning Autism can affect how someone experiences and expresses intimacy. People with high-functioning Autism might struggle with understanding social cues, making it harder to form close relationships or engage in intimate connections. They may find it difficult to interpret non-verbal signals, like body language or facial expressions, which are important in building intimacy. While they can form meaningful relationships, they may need extra support and understanding to navigate these social complexities.
Moreover, the challenge for individuals with high-functioning Autism is anger issues. They may feel overwhelmed by sensory input, changes in routine, or communication difficulties, which can lead to frustration and outbursts. This can make it hard for them to manage emotions in certain situations. Alongside this, people with high-functioning Autism have emotional sensitivity, meaning they may react more intensely to emotional stimuli.
High-Functioning Autism and Friendships
High-functioning Autism may affect the manner in which people create and sustain friendships. Higher functioning Autism can be a difficulty in interpreting social signals, including body language. Having power, understanding, and support, people with high-functioning Autism can establish stable friendships but may require assistance in interpersonal communication and comprehension of others.
Likewise, speaking about high-functioning Autism in girls, it is necessary to mention that sometimes this disorder is more difficult to diagnose. Girls with high-functioning Autism might cover their disabilities better than boys, and therefore, they are left alone or they can be misdiagnosed. Consequently, they can encounter special difficulties in social scenarios and relationships. Low-functioning Autism, on the other hand, relates to those people who face greater problems in communication, interaction, and everyday living. Thus, they might need additional assistance in their lives and have generally more serious problems in finding friends or getting around in a social environment.
End Note
MAVA Behavioral Health provides treatment of high-functioning Autism, combining medication and telehealth. Moreover, we are more oriented towards solving issues such as emotional regulation, sensory sensitivities, and social difficulties. Treatments are available to deal with other disorders like anxiety, depression, or ADHD that are prevalent in people with high-functioning Autism.
Our professional healthcare providers collaborate with people and families in order to develop individual treatment programs to address individual needs. Through proper assistance, autistic people with high functioning Autism can acquire the necessary skills, will be able to live better, and lead a successful personal and professional life.
FAQs
What is the highest functioning type of Autism?
According to DSM-5, the worst form of Autism is the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) Level 1. It is not only individuals who do not require much assistance and do things independently in different life areas. Terminologies like Asperger’s Syndrome were used in the past to refer to such a degree of Autism.
Can high-functioning Autism be overlooked?
Yes, high-functioning Autism cannot be diagnosed easily, particularly in women or even adults, since the symptoms are either subtle or even concealed. A majority of the individuals are diagnosed later on in their lives, where they are faced with difficulties in relationships, work, or in their social interactions.
What is the relationship effect of high-functioning Autism?
Having the ability to perceive emotional signals or express emotions or regulate social expectations, high-functioning Autism can make relationships complicated. However, in most cases, openness and knowing each other contribute to proper and healthy relationships between many people.
Is high-Functioning autism disability?
Yes, high-functioning Autism is a disability as it has certain effects on social interactions, communication, and daily life functioning. However, high-functioning Autism might also include persons with special abilities who are capable of thriving under the right support.
What would be common symptoms of high-functioning Autism in women?
Among the symptoms that high-functioning girls with Autism could exhibit are being obsessed with certain interests, poor social relations, and sensitiveness. However, they tend to hide their symptoms by pretending to act social, and this can end up resulting in late diagnosis.
