High functioning autism is not a formal medical term or diagnosis. It refers to individuals who have autism but live more independently compared to other individuals on the autism spectrum. However, these individuals can benefit from autism treatment programs at some point in their lives.
Autism is a developmental condition that causes individuals to experience behavioral and social problems, impacting the ability to communicate. The term spectrum in autism spectrum disorder describes the different levels of the disorder; autism occurs in three different levels depending on the severity.
Insight Into Autism
There is no known single cause for autism, and the condition starts manifesting in children when they’re a few months old. In other cases, children will display standard development patterns only for the signs of autism to start appearing when they’re a few years old or during adolescence. Others will show the symptoms later in their adult life.
Parents who discover the symptoms in their adolescent children should seek adolescent autism treatment to manage the condition.
According to DSM-5, autism occurs in three different levels. The categorization of the condition into the distinct stages depends on the disease’s severity and the level of support that an individual needs.
What Are the Signs of High Functioning Autism?
The rate of autism diagnosis in the US is on the rise as parents and mental health professionals are becoming increasingly aware of the symptoms of high functioning autistic people. Children or teens struggling with the condition are now receiving the support that they need to live healthy lives. As a result, their behaviors no longer prevent them from achieving their full potentials.
So, what are the signs to look out for?
Devotion to Routines
People struggling with high functioning autism devote themselves to routines—for example, an individual may stick to a routine, such as meditating for ten minutes every night. Any person who attempts to disrupt the routine can subject the person to frustration.
Autistic people value their habits and believe that nothing should stop them from following their methods.
Emotional Sensitivity
Despite being a common sign, many people don’t realize that sensitivity to emotions signifies autism. Many autistic people may manage most of their daily lives, but they usually find it difficult to control their feelings when compared to non-autistic people.
For example, small frustrations in the morning, such as spilling tea, can disrupt an entire day. This shows how autistic people exhibit intense reactions to emotions.
Linguistic Oddities
People on the higher end of the spectrum display better vocabulary development compared to their lower-end counterparts. However, they find most topics annoying, so they often avoid indulging their peers in conversations.
Their vast vocabulary frequently focuses on particular issues.
The habit of focusing on specific issues is known as a linguistic oddity.
Disliking Change
This symptom is the hallmark sign of high functioning autism. In many cases, such people practice fixed behaviors, such as eating the same meal and exact quantity daily. Anyone who compels them to change will encounter strong resistance.
And if someone forces change, then they’ll substitute their habits with new ones.
Social Difficulties
Tutors and parents will discover that autistic children have trouble interacting and striking friendships with their peers. Their social circle is limited, as they’re choosy during interactions. Autistic youths display shy and awkward behaviors that often require counseling to help them live healthy lives.
Finding the Right Autism Treatment Center
Clinical studies on autism reveal that patients respond positively to Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy programs as part of an early intervention for childhood autism. Some methods that exhibit positive responses include incidental teaching, generalization of the natural environment, and video modeling.
ABA programs utilize functional behavior to assess a patient before advancing to a relevant intervention strategy.
Contact an ASD treatment center for a proper diagnosis and advice on the best treatment approach for high functioning autism. Call your local physician today to schedule an appointment.
