What is High Functioning Autism?

First, autism is a particular type of brain disorder where an individual may experience a difficult time in both communication and social interaction with other people. There are varying degrees of symptoms for autism including a complete lack of communication with others to the difficult time in the understanding of the feelings another individual will have.

Due to the wide range of symptoms and diagnoses in autism, there are various forms of it. Whether an individual has severe autism, mild autism, or high functioning autism their abilities to interact and lead completely normal lives will vary.

High functioning autism is at the best end of the spectrum in way of autism. Both the signs and symptoms of this autistic condition are far less severe than any other form of autism diagnosis. Believe it or not, an individual who suffers from high functioning autism actually possesses either average or above average levels of intelligence. 

Regardless of the severity of the autism diagnoses, even those with high functioning autism have to cope and learn to deal with the daily challenges presented. Whether it is for the individual themselves, or family and friends, there is still a need to understand high functioning autism and all it entails.

There are varying types of symptoms for high functioning autism. Those with high functioning autism rarely have delayed language development, but they do show various other signs to indicate they do possess high functioning autism. One of the largest indicators of high functioning autism includes a delay in motor skills. This is highly identifiable as it is generally one of the most prominent symptoms. Children who possess normal or above average intelligence, but have a large delay in motor skills are at risk of high functioning autism.

Yet another symptom of high functioning autism includes he inability to understand abstract language. Whether it is a humorous comment or the inability to partake in “give and take” conversations, those with high functioning autism will greatly struggle with this. In line, a quick or severe reaction to anything such as textures, smells, particular sighs, or other sensory items others might not notice is another key indicating factor that a child or individual may suffer from high functioning autism.

Those who suffer from high functioning autism are not like those with other forms of autism. While they may not be completely comfortable in a social setting at all times, they do wish to be involved with other people. People with high functioning autism lack the skills necessary to easily navigate social situations or read emotions, but they crave being involved.

There are several different ways to treat, but not cure, high functioning autism. Applied behavior analysis, medications, and physical or occupational therapy will greatly aid in the treatment of high functioning autism. Each of these systems uses the child’s strengths and builds on their weaknesses in order to properly treat and teach the afflicted individual how to deal with their high functioning autism in the best manner possible while leading the most normal life possible.