People with HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM (HFA) are usually of normal intelligence
People with HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM (HFA) are usually of normal intelligence
People with HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM (HFA) are usually of normal intelligence
Whether you are familiar with autism or not, it’s very likely that you know or have met someone who has autism spectrum disorder. When people think of autism, they often picture a child who cannot speak or care for themselves.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is typically diagnosed in toddlerhood or early childhood, but it is possible for clinicians and parents to miss or overlook the symptoms of high-functioning autism (HFA), in particular, until late childhood, adolescence, or even adulthood.
Even when someone is diagnosed later than usual, their symptoms will have been present since they were very young. In fact, to qualify for an autism diagnosis, signs and symptoms must have been present from early childhood. Here's why high functioning autism symptoms can fly under the radar, sometimes for a long time.
People that are High Functioning Autistic are usually of normal intelligence, and sometimes even exceptionally intelligent. These traits can mask certain symptoms. The ability to do well in school, communicate effectively, and pass an IQ test are impressive—and may send parents and teachers down the wrong path when looking for reasons for a child's unusual issues or behavior. Even pediatricians can miss signs of autism when a child is able to communicate intelligently using spoken language.
High-functioning autism is sometimes used colloquially to describe autistic people who do not need much support to function in their daily lives. It often means that a person can speak, write, read, manage daily tasks, and live independently. It means that their traits and behaviors do not create too many disruptions in their relationships, occupation, or education.
How to know if you are High Functioning Autistic
People with HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM (HFA) are usually of normal intelligence
People with HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM (HFA) are usually of normal intelligence
Signs and Symptoms of High Functioning Autism
- Repetitiveness. HFA is partly characterized by an obsession with a particular subject or activity. ...
- Emotional sensitivity. Individuals living with High Functioning Autism are also prone to high levels of emotional sensitivity.
- Social problems. ...
- Language peculiarities. ...
- Sensory difficulties. ...
- Little or no attention to caregivers. ...
Signs of High Functioning Autism in teens or adults include:
- Anxiety symptoms over social situations
- Appearing blunt, rude, or disinterested without meaning to
- Avoiding eye contact
- Difficulty making friends
- Difficulty understanding what others are thinking or feeling
- Finding it hard to say how you feel
- Having a very keen interest in narrow subjects
- Maintaining strict routines and being anxious if it changes
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