8 Signs of ‘High Functioning’ Autism

Autistic Spectrum Disorder or ASD, is a lifelong, developmental disorder which is characterised by difficulties with social interaction and communication. We don’t know what causes autism, but we do know that a number of factors, genetic and environmental, affect brain development which can increase the likelihood of developing autism.

The levels of autism are covered by an umbrella, called the Autistic Spectrum Disorder. This means that while all people with Autism share the same difficulties, the condition will affect everyone differently. People with Autism may need different levels of support to help them. Anxiety Disorders are common alongside the condition, and people may also experience other mental health conditions like depression or low mood.

There are many misconceptions about people who are have Autism. It is important to note that this article should not be used to self diagnose autism and serves for educational purposes only. If you think that you or somebody you know may have autism, please contact you general practitioner to discuss this with them.

With that in mind; here are 8 signs of how individuals with High-Functioning Autism might present: 

  1. Individuals may appear to be Emotional Sensitive

Emotional Sensitivity is a common issue for people on the high end of the autistic spectrum. Sadly, it is one which is often overlooked. Individuals may struggle to control their emotions in the same way that neuro-typical (or non-autistic people) are able to do. For example, forgetting to make lunch for work or getting to work late due to traffic, may cause frustration for the individual.

People with high-functioning autism may also experience intense emotional reactions which may appear as unusual or extreme compared to the rest of the population. Offer comfort and show compassion for the person who is experiencing intense emotions as this can be scary for them.

  1. Change may be difficult

A hallmark of high-functioning autism is a strong dislike of change. Routine is very important to people with autism as it offers a sense of stability and order to their daily lives. This may include getting up and going to bed at the same time every day, eating meals at certain times, spending a set amount of time on homework or exercising and engaging in certain hobbies on set days. Any deviation or change to this routine, can lead to frustration and anxiety which can be daunting.

Any changes need to be explained clearly to help the individual to adapt, understand and be accepting of the situation. Be patient and supportive to help them transition rather than getting frustrated, as this may cause further anxiety.

  1. Individuals may experience social difficulties

People with high-functioning autism may have difficulty in reading social cues. For example, boundaries may not always be fully understood such as standing too closely to somebody or maybe talking too loudly for the situation.

Likewise, they may struggle with interpersonal skills such as maintaining eye contact to the point which is noticeable to others. This may be confusing to somebody who is not aware of the situation. Often, individuals are thought of as being rude, however, this is not the intention, so try not to make that assumption before getting to know the person.

  1. Individuals may have difficulty with perspective taking

Having high-functioning autism can mean that people have difficulty with perspective taking or understanding where somebody else is coming from. Although this may be frustrating, try and find other ways of explaining your point of view. There is a misconception that high-functioning autism means that individuals cannot show empathy for others. Just because they may not understand your perspective, does not mean that they cannot express feeling for you or what you are experiencing.

There is a neurobiological explanation for this. People with high-functioning autism have fewer ‘mirror neurons’ in the front part of the brain (known as the pre-frontal cortex) in comparison to neuro-typical individuals.  These neurons help pick up on emotions in other people. So, the perceived lack of empathy, is more on inability to adopt neuro-typical perspective taking.

  1. Individuals may have a fixation or obsession with particular subjects or ideas

There is a tendency for people with high-functioning autism to fixate on particular things or something that they are really interested in. For example, knowing the names of all the dinosaurs, what they looked like and what era they would have existed in). This can lead to a tendency to monopolise the conversation because they will want you to interested in it too.

Obsessive tendencies can helpful. For example, Dan Aykroyd, writer and star in the hit film Ghostbusters, was inspired by his focus on ghosts and the paranormal. Many other high-functioning autistic individuals have used their interests to inspire successful careers. Try and nurture their interests by showing that you are interested in what they are saying and maybe share something you are interested in with them.

  1. Individuals may be repetitive

People with high functioning autism may repeat themselves in order to get a response or to make themselves heard. They may ask questions more than once, especially if it is a change from their normal expectation. Autistic fixations are common which can sometimes interfere with their relationships with others. It is important to understand that repetitive behaviours may act as a calming effect for the individual.

 

  1. Individuals may experience sensory overload and having difficulty processing things

As they are more emotionally sensitive, the same can be said for how somebody with high functioning autism will experience their senses. They may find specific tastes, feelings, noises and smells difficult to manage. Being in unfamiliar settings can push them outside of their routines and comfort zones. They may come across as being rude or aggressive in response to what they are experiencing, so if you see this, remain calm, offer them reassurance and try and take them away from the situation.

 

8. There may be a tendency to focus on self

People with high-functioning autism may have difficulties developing deep social relationships with others. A person with high-functioning autism may spend an excessive amount of time talking about themselves or completing activities without thinking of others. For example, they might pour themselves a drink without asking if anyone else would also like a drink. This is not intentional nor does it mean that they are being narcissistic or ignorant which can be a common misconception.

Autism is not an ‘illness’ and cannot be ‘cured’. There are however many interventions that can be helpful for people with autism to enable learning and development. Autism is often stigmatised however it is what makes some people unique, so embrace it and nurture it.

If you or somebody you know has a diagnosis of Autism or if this article has been useful, please leave us a message in the comment section. We love to here from you and want to continue to make Psychology accessible to everybody.

Resources:

‘10 Symptoms of High Functioning Autism’, Applied Behaviour Analysis Programs [online] Available at:  https://www.appliedbehavioranalysisprograms.com/lists/5-symptoms-of-high-functioning-autism [Accessed 15 July 2020].

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