What are the Characteristics of High Functioning Autism

Understanding High-Functioning Autism

Autism is a spectrum disorder, meaning it presents in various forms and severities. One such form is often referred to as high-functioning autism. Understanding this term and its associated characteristics is key to providing support and care for those identified within this part of the autism spectrum.

What is High-Functioning Autism?

High-functioning autism is an informal term used to describe individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who can communicate, read, write, and handle basic life skills independently. These individuals are capable of living independently, and the severity of symptoms can vary widely among individuals on the spectrum WebMD.

Previously known as Asperger's syndrome, high-functioning autism refers to individuals with autism who have low support needs but still face challenges in day-to-day activities Verywell.

However, the term high-functioning autism remains controversial among autism advocates. This is because it is not a clinical diagnosis and is rather a subjective judgment based on a person's ability to function in society, which can differ based on cultural norms and opinions of those defining the diagnosis Medical News Today.

Diagnosis and Characteristics

While high-functioning autism is not an official medical diagnosis, it refers to a pattern of disordered traits and behavior consistent with a diagnosis of autism, allowing the individual to function relatively well in society. This term is often used instead of Asperger's Disorder under the broader diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Diagnosis according to the DSM-V released in 2013 Thriving Wellness Center.

Characteristics of high-functioning autism can vary widely among individuals. Some common traits include:

Difficulty with social interactions
Difficulty understanding or using non-verbal communication
Sensory processing issues
Difficulty adapting to changes in routine or environment
Restricted and repetitive behaviors or interests
Challenges with executive functioning, such as planning, organization, and flexible thinking

Understanding these characteristics can aid in identifying and providing the necessary support for individuals with high-functioning autism. However, it's crucial to remember that every individual is unique and may not display all these traits or may exhibit them differently.

Treatment Approaches for High-Functioning Autism

High-functioning autism, a term often used to describe people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) who read, write, speak, and manage life skills without much assistance, requires specific therapeutic approaches to address unique challenges. These treatment methods range from behavioral therapies to speech and language therapy, and in some cases, pharmacological interventions.

Behavioral Therapies

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is a widely accepted behavioral approach with the most evidence for treating symptoms of ASD. ABA focuses on encouraging desired behaviors and discouraging undesired behaviors to improve various skills. The progress of an individual undergoing ABA is tracked and measured to ensure the efficacy of the therapy and make necessary adjustments.

In addition to ABA, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has also shown promise in treating high-functioning autism. CBT emphasizes thoughts and beliefs to understand and modify behavior and emotional experiences. This approach has shown positive effects on social skills, social functioning, social anxiety, loneliness, and coping self-efficacy.

Additionally, Mindfulness-Based Interventions, a more recent development in CBT, focus on present thoughts, emotions, and perceptions with acceptance and without evaluation. These interventions aim to increase psychological flexibility and potentially reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in high-functioning autistic adults [2].

Speech and Language Therapy

Speech and Language Therapy is a common developmental therapy for people with ASD. It aims to enhance their understanding and use of speech and language. This therapy can include verbal communication or alternative methods like signs, gestures, pictures, or electronic communication devices [1].

Pharmacological Interventions

While medications do not treat the core symptoms of ASD, they can help manage co-occurring symptoms. These might include high energy levels, focus issues, self-harming behaviors, anxiety, depression, seizures, sleep problems, and gastrointestinal issues. It's crucial to consult a doctor experienced in treating individuals with ASD before considering medication.

In summary, treating high-functioning autism requires a multifaceted approach, addressing the individual's unique needs and challenges. The most effective treatment plan often combines behavioral therapies, speech and language therapy, and when needed, pharmacological interventions. These approaches, along with the enduring support of caregivers and medical professionals, can significantly improve the quality of life of individuals with high-functioning autism.

Challenges Faced by Individuals with High-Functioning Autism

Understanding the unique challenges faced by individuals with high-functioning autism can provide valuable insight into their world. These challenges can range from social interaction difficulties to sensory processing issues.

Social Interaction Difficulties

People with high-functioning autism may find it harder to learn and build up social skills, which can lead them to guess what the social "map" should look like. They may need additional support and guidance in understanding social rules and customs compared to neurotypical individuals [3].

Social skills development often involves learning from various professionals such as special education teachers, speech pathologists, or clinicians in structured settings like social skills groups. Here, they receive direct instruction and opportunities to practice these skills in real-life scenarios with peers.

Effective social skills groups should combine direct, explicit instruction with opportunities for real-life practice with peers. Research has identified key components that make these groups effective. For example, the PEERS program at UCLA is a 16-week-long program designed to teach social skills, including dating tips, to individuals with autism. It focuses on enhancing relational skills and has shown promise in supporting social skills development in this population [3].

Personalized teaching stories, presented visually through charts, booklets, or electronic devices, can also benefit individuals with autism by providing them with information on what to expect in different social situations and how to navigate these situations effectively. These stories make social situations more predictable and offer strategies for successful interactions [3].

Sensory Processing Issues

Sensory processing issues are also a common characteristic of high-functioning autism. These can manifest in a variety of ways and can impact the individual's ability to interact with their environment effectively. For example, they may be overly sensitive to certain sensory inputs such as sound, light, or touch, which can lead to discomfort or distress in certain situations.

On the other hand, some individuals with high-functioning autism may have decreased sensitivity to certain sensory inputs, which can make it difficult for them to process and respond to information in their environment.

Understanding these challenges is crucial in providing effective support and accommodations for individuals with high-functioning autism. With the right strategies and interventions, these individuals can navigate their daily lives more effectively and experience a higher quality of life.

Strengths of Individuals with High-Functioning Autism

While high-functioning autism may present challenges, it's equally crucial to spotlight the unique strengths and abilities of individuals with this diagnosis.

Unique Skills and Abilities

People with high-functioning autism often exhibit identifiable strengths. These can range from an exceptional attention to detail and a robust memory, to impressive logic and analytical skills. They also often provide a unique perspective, bringing fresh ideas and solutions to the table. This can be a valuable asset in both personal and professional environments, highlighting their potential to contribute significantly to their communities.

There is a wide diversity within the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) community. Many individuals with high-functioning autism, given the right support, lead fulfilling lives, achieve academic goals, maintain thriving relationships, and build successful careers. This underscores the fact that a diagnosis of high-functioning autism need not limit an individual's potential or quality of life [5].

Coping Mechanisms and Strategies

Over time, people with high-functioning autism may develop a series of coping mechanisms and strategies that help them "mask" the signs of autism. This means they might find ways to compensate for or manage the challenges associated with autism, to the extent that it can be difficult to gauge the severity of their condition. Especially if they were not diagnosed in childhood, they may view their behaviors as normal in daily life.

These coping mechanisms can range from finding structured and predictable routines, developing in-depth knowledge about specific topics, to using logic and reasoning skills to navigate social situations. Each individual's approach will vary, reflecting their unique experiences and needs.

By harnessing their strengths and learning effective coping strategies, people with high-functioning autism can navigate the challenges they face and lead meaningful, fulfilling lives. Understanding these strengths and strategies is crucial for supporting individuals with high-functioning autism, and for appreciating the unique contributions they bring to our society.

Supporting Individuals with High-Functioning Autism

Supporting individuals with high-functioning autism involves a holistic approach that addresses their unique needs and promotes their strengths. This includes targeted social skills development programs and effective therapeutic interventions, which can significantly enhance their quality of life and enable them to navigate social settings with more ease and confidence.

Social Skills Development Programs

For individuals with high-functioning autism, developing social skills often involves learning from various professionals like special education teachers, speech pathologists, or clinicians in structured settings such as social skills groups. Here, they receive direct instruction and opportunities to practice these skills in real-life scenarios with peers.

Research has identified certain key components that make these groups effective. They should combine direct, explicit instruction with opportunities for real-life practice with peers to enhance social skills development.

One notable example of a social skills development program is the PEERS program at UCLA. This 16-week-long program is designed to teach social skills, including dating tips, to individuals with autism. It focuses on enhancing relational skills and has shown promise in supporting social skills development in this population.

Another useful tool for individuals with autism is personalized teaching stories, presented visually through charts, booklets, or electronic devices. These stories provide information on what to expect in different social situations and how to navigate these situations effectively. They make social situations more predictable and offer strategies for successful interactions.

Effective Therapeutic Approaches

When it comes to therapeutic approaches for high-functioning autistic adults, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) based interventions have shown promise. CBT focuses on thoughts and beliefs to understand and modify behavior and emotional experiences. These interventions have shown positive effects on social skills, social functioning, social anxiety, loneliness, and coping self-efficacy.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions, as a more recently developed CBT approach, complement traditional approaches by focusing on present thoughts, emotions, and perceptions with acceptance and without evaluation. These interventions aim to increase psychological flexibility and potentially reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in high-functioning autistic adults.

Online interventions have also shown promise in addressing co-occurring symptoms in high-functioning autistic adults, particularly in reducing anxiety levels. However, further research is needed to validate the efficacy of online interventions and understand their specific benefits and limitations.

By providing individuals with high-functioning autism with the right support, including social skills development programs and effective therapeutic approaches, we can help them lead fulfilling lives and make meaningful connections with others. It's important to remember that each individual is unique, and what works well for one person may not work as well for another. Therefore, it's crucial to personalize these approaches based on the specific needs and characteristics of each individual.

Living with High-Functioning Autism

Living with high-functioning autism comes with its own unique set of challenges and opportunities. However, with the right support and understanding, individuals with high-functioning autism can thrive in various aspects of life, such as education and employment, and can actively contribute to their communities.

Education and Employment Opportunities

Despite the challenges they may face, many individuals with high-functioning autism excel academically, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) majors. Studies show that individuals with high-functioning autism are more likely to pursue these fields compared to people without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other disabilities [6].

However, they also have the lowest overall rate of college enrollment and face significant challenges in finding employment. In 2021, 85% of adults with ASD were unemployed [6].

Despite these barriers, many individuals with high-functioning autism thrive in careers that leverage their unique skills. For instance, they can excel in technical fields that are less reliant on social interactions. A notable example is Temple Grandin, Ph.D., who has built a successful career despite her diagnosis of high-functioning autism.

Community Support and Resources

Support from the community plays a crucial role in the lives of individuals with high-functioning autism. Many adults with high-functioning autism lead fulfilling lives, building successful careers, maintaining relationships, achieving academic goals, contributing to their communities, and thriving with the right support.

Pursuing an official diagnosis of autism as an adult can provide explanations for long-standing struggles, access to support services tailored to ASD needs, and improved daily life through strategies and coping mechanisms. It can also offer a sense of community and opportunities to live authentically.

However, adults with high-functioning autism often face high levels of stress, linked to anxiety and depression. This can lead to significantly high suicide rates and reduced life expectancy among individuals with ASD [2]. Therefore, providing support to adults with high-functioning autism in managing core symptoms, as well as co-occurring anxiety and depression, is essential.

Living with high-functioning autism requires understanding, support, and resources. With these in place, individuals with high-functioning autism can navigate the challenges they face and capitalize on the opportunities they encounter, leading full and enriching lives.