What Is High Functioning Autism?
Article Sources
- 1. 'Autism Spectrum Disorder: MedlinePlus Genetics.' MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Aug. 2020, medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/autism-spectrum-disorder/#synonyms.
- 2. 'Large Study Supports Discarding the Term 'High-Functioning Autism'.' Spectrum, 2 July 2019, www.spectrumnews.org/news/large-study-supports-discarding-term-high-functioning-autism/.
- 3. Secondary Students With High-Functioning Autism, educationonline.ku.edu/community/secondary-students-with-high-functioning-autism.
- 4. 'Autism Spectrum Disorder.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928.
- 5. Morie, Kristen P, et al. 'Mood Disorders in High-Functioning Autism: The Importance of Alexithymia and Emotional Regulation.' Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7375152/.
- 6. O'Neal, Susan Moreno and Carol. 'Tips for Teaching High-Functioning People with Autism.' Indiana Resource Center for Autism, www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/tips-for-teaching-high-functioning-people-with-autism.html.
Autism spectrum disorder is a complex condition affecting 1 in 68 children. Autistic people can experience disabilities and difficulties socially, behaviorally and intellectually. Symptoms vary widely among individuals, both in the types of symptoms and their intensity.1‘Autism Spectrum Disorder: MedlinePlus Genetics.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Aug. 2020, medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/autism-spectrum-disorder/#synonyms.
High functioning autism is not a formal medical diagnosis. It's a term used to describe autistic people who have fewer obvious language and intellectual disabilities and symptoms that are often less intense.3Secondary Students With High-Functioning Autism, educationonline.ku.edu/community/secondary-students-with-high-functioning-autism. There are controversies around the term, with some scholars and autistic advocates calling for it to be retired. But there are unique experiences that affect people on this part of the spectrum.2‘Large Study Supports Discarding the Term ‘High-Functioning Autism’.’ Spectrum, 2 July 2019, www.spectrumnews.org/news/large-study-supports-discarding-term-high-functioning-autism/.
1. What Does Autism Mean?
The way autism affects a person varies. Most autistic people have some combination of impaired social skills, communication problems and repetitive behaviors. They may struggle to understand nonverbal social cues like tone or facial expression. They may use odd, repetitive gestures or have odd, repetitive conversations. They may also struggle with sensory input or changes in routine.1‘Autism Spectrum Disorder: MedlinePlus Genetics.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Aug. 2020, medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/autism-spectrum-disorder/#synonyms.
Some autistic people have profound communication, intellectual and behavioral difficulties, while others may not even be recognized as autistic. But all autistic people, regardless of their assumed place on the spectrum, have their own needs and abilities.3Secondary Students With High-Functioning Autism, educationonline.ku.edu/community/secondary-students-with-high-functioning-autism.
2. What Makes Someone High Functioning?
Many autistic people have intellectual disabilities and highly visible unusual behaviors. Some autistic people do not speak or speak rarely. These people are often called low functioning.
High functioning autistic people, by contrast, tend to score average or above average on intelligence tests. They often speak fluently, if sometimes oddly, and they may control repetitive behaviors more easily.1‘Autism Spectrum Disorder: MedlinePlus Genetics.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Aug. 2020, medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/autism-spectrum-disorder/#synonyms. They are often educated in mainstream classrooms. Adults can often live independently. However, high functioning autistic people still face many challenges.3Secondary Students With High-Functioning Autism, educationonline.ku.edu/community/secondary-students-with-high-functioning-autism.
3. Causes of Autism
While the causes of autism are not fully known, it's clear that autism is at least partially genetic. Changes in more than 1000 genes have been associated with autism spectrum disorder. However, not everyone with these genetic variations is affected. Non-genetic factors may contribute in up to 40 percent of cases.1‘Autism Spectrum Disorder: MedlinePlus Genetics.’ MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 18 Aug. 2020, medlineplus.gov/genetics/condition/autism-spectrum-disorder/#synonyms.
It's believed that environmental factors might help trigger autism. It isn't clear which environmental factors could play a role, but extensive research into vaccines indicates that they are not linked to autism.4‘Autism Spectrum Disorder.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928.
4. Diagnosing Autism
An autism diagnosis isn't based on any specific test. Instead, a specialist usually observes the person, gives them tasks requiring social and cognitive skills and asks about their behavior and development over time. They may recommend genetic tests to rule out other disorders.
Because symptoms vary so widely and diagnosis can be somewhat abstract, it can be difficult to correctly identify autism. Because of this, high functioning autistic people can sometimes go without diagnosis or needed resources.4‘Autism Spectrum Disorder.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928.
5. Controversy Over The High Functioning Label
Some researchers and autism advocates disagree with the term high functioning and feel it should not be used. They argue that terms like high functioning and low functioning create a false impression of autistic people, denying their needs or erasing their potential.
Many autistic people with language skills and a high IQ still struggle with aspects of daily living. A high functioning autistic person may need help with activities like riding the bus or brushing their teeth.2‘Large Study Supports Discarding the Term ‘High-Functioning Autism’.’ Spectrum, 2 July 2019, www.spectrumnews.org/news/large-study-supports-discarding-term-high-functioning-autism/.
6. Mood Disorders and Autism
High functioning autistic people experience depression and anxiety at high rates. There's a correlation between greater cognitive ability and a higher risk of mood disorders in autistic people.
The causes for this are not fully understood. It could be that autistic individuals struggle with regulating emotions, due to autism or a concurrent disorder. Other theories are that high functioning autistic people are more aware of their differences or that they are vulnerable to trauma without the help and support other autistic people receive.5Morie, Kristen P, et al. ‘Mood Disorders in High-Functioning Autism: The Importance of Alexithymia and Emotional Regulation.’ Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders, U.S. National Library of Medicine, July 2019, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7375152/.
7. Social And Cognitive Characteristics of Autism
Regardless of their intelligence, many autistic people struggle to interact with other people, being more comfortable dealing with objects. They may have a messy personal space, forget important deadlines or equipment they need. They may get overwhelmed easily by complex tasks or from having too much sensory information at once.
An autistic person may struggle to fit in socially. It can be hard for autistic people to make friends or understand when something they've said or done is strange. They may repeat themselves or think differently than other people.6O’Neal, Susan Moreno and Carol. ‘Tips for Teaching High-Functioning People with Autism.’ Indiana Resource Center for Autism, www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/tips-for-teaching-high-functioning-people-with-autism.html.
8. Physical Characteristics of Autism
Because autism is a developmental disorder, there are physical traits as well as emotional and social ones. These traits don't show up on a person's face, but they do affect autistic people's behavior.
Many autistic people are less coordinated and they may move differently. Their body language may seem stiff or exaggerated. Repetitive, unusual movements like rocking or hand flapping are common. Sometimes these movements can be dangerous. Autistic people, even high functioning ones, might sometimes bite themselves or bang their heads.4‘Autism Spectrum Disorder.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 6 Jan. 2018, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/autism-spectrum-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20352928.
9. Individual Variability
Just as autism symptoms and their severity can vary from person to person, they can also vary in an individual autistic person depending on the day or situation. A high functioning autistic person who's stressed or experiencing sensory overload can show more unusual or visibly autistic behaviors.
Uneven skill sets or development is another common trait. Someone may expect that an autistic person who can do complex algebra would understand basic addition, but their skills don't always develop in predictable ways.6O’Neal, Susan Moreno and Carol. ‘Tips for Teaching High-Functioning People with Autism.’ Indiana Resource Center for Autism, www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/tips-for-teaching-high-functioning-people-with-autism.html.
10. How To Help Autistic People
An important thing to remember is that autistic people are seldom if ever behaving in a particular way to be manipulative or make life difficult. Every autistic person has unique challenges and potential and it's important to show them respect and kindness.
Some autistic people benefit from more specific or concrete communication, help with organizational or daily skills or friends with whom they can feel safe. High functioning autistic people can often tell others what they need as an individual.6O’Neal, Susan Moreno and Carol. ‘Tips for Teaching High-Functioning People with Autism.’ Indiana Resource Center for Autism, www.iidc.indiana.edu/irca/articles/tips-for-teaching-high-functioning-people-with-autism.html.
