High Function Autism Symptoms

Among the many degrees of autism spectrum disorders is high function autism, symptoms of which tend to be less pronounced and debilitating than other forms of autism.

Common High Function Autism Symptoms

Every person who has autism, no matter which form, will display a different combination of symptoms than any other, and those symptoms will vary widely in degree. Even among those who have the exact same diagnosis, wide variations in symptoms are present from one person to another. However, autism spectrum disorders, including high functioning autism, are all classified under the same category due to a series of core symptoms that are common to each one of these pervasive developmental disorders.

Of these disorders, high functioning autism, or HFA, and Asperger syndrome are considered the mildest, the two very similar in presentation. High function autism is not yet an official diagnosis, but a descriptive term used mainly to determine treatment and therapy plans. Generally, a person is referred to as high functioning autistic when symptoms are mild, allowing them to function appropriately in most situations, but the diagnosis is most often recorded as simply autism. In some cases, those with high functioning autism may carry a diagnosis of autism during the early years, then be reclassified as Asperger syndrome as symptoms become milder later in life.

Communication

Communication issues are among the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorders. While these issues tend to be less pronounced in high function autism, speech and language delays are often present, especially during the early childhood years. Some with HFA may have very well developed vocabularies, but speak in an awkward, high pitched, or monotone style. Individuals with high functioning autism can have difficulties with receptive language, unable to interpret nuances of language such as humor or irony. Understanding non-verbal cues like facial expression, body posture, or gestures can be an area of weakness, and maintaining eye contact with others may be difficult for those with HFA.

Behavioral Issues

As with most forms of autism, high function autism symptoms often include a strong compulsion to adhere to strict routines. Changes in that tightly structured daily routine can cause anxiety, often expressed by repetitive behaviors or verbalizations or, in some cases, even as violent outbursts. Simple transitions, such as the change from one activity to another during the school day, can be very difficult for those with autism, causing anxiety. Outings that are fun and exciting for others can be extremely stressful for those with autism. Even a routine trip to the grocery store can be a traumatic experience for those with autism, the unfamiliar surroundings or people causing extreme discomfort and insecurity.

Sensory Issues

Another symptom common to high function autism is sensory dysfunction. Those with autism can be hyper-sensitive to stimuli like sounds, smells, textures, lighting conditions, and colors that the average person might not even notice, finding them extremely distracting, upsetting, or even painful. Such sensory overload can lead to behaviors such as rocking, twirling, hand flapping, or repetitive sounds. Hypo-sensitivity is also a common sensory problem in autistic individuals, with some individuals indifferent to sensory stimulus like cold, heat, discomfort, or pain. For hypo-sensitive individuals, daily activities like bathing or cooking can be hazardous, and dressing appropriately for weather conditions can be a challenge.

While there are many similarities between HFA or Asperger syndrome symptoms and those of other autism forms, there are distinct differences as well. Individuals with high functioning autism or Asperger syndrome usually are of average or above average intelligence, whereas other forms of autism can include mental retardation. Those with HFA and Asperger syndrome often respond more readily to therapies and treatments than many individuals with more severe forms of autism. In fact, many manage to learn to control their symptoms so well that they become virtually indistinguishable from neuro-typical peers.

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