Key Points:
- A high-functioning autism diagnosis involves evaluating behavior, communication skills, and developmental history.
- Diagnosis of high-functioning autism can be tricky, as individuals may not exhibit obvious symptoms.
- Understanding a high-functioning autism diagnosis is crucial for parents to get the right support and interventions.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 1 in every 36 children have Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). A portion of this group may also display symptoms of high-functioning autism.
Diagnosing high-functioning autism can be challenging due to the subtler presentation of symptoms compared to other forms of autism. Unlike more noticeable cases, individuals with high-functioning autism (HFA) may have relatively normal language development and intelligence, which can sometimes mask the condition. This can lead to late diagnoses or misdiagnoses, particularly in children or adults who have learned to adapt to social challenges over time.
When trying to understand how high-functioning autism is diagnosed, it is important to look at the comprehensive process involved. The diagnosis is not solely based on one test or observation but instead is a thorough evaluation of various aspects of the individual’s behavior, developmental history, and communication patterns. In this article, we’ll break down the process and key criteria that clinicians use to diagnose high-functioning autism.
While these steps can provide clarity, it’s also important to note that no single test is used to diagnose high functioning autism. The diagnosis is based on a combination of clinical observations, developmental history, and the use of diagnostic criteria from manuals like the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
The Importance of Early Diagnosis of High-functioning Autism
Early diagnosis plays a critical role in getting the appropriate support and services for individuals with high-functioning autism. The earlier a diagnosis is made, the sooner interventions can begin, potentially leading to better outcomes in social skills, communication, and daily functioning.
Here are some reasons why early diagnosis of high-functioning autism is important:
- Improved Social and Communication Skills: Early interventions, such as ABA therapy, are designed to help children with high-functioning autism learn effective social communication skills. These programs can focus on helping individuals understand social cues, initiate conversations, and respond appropriately in various situations.
- Minimized Behavioral Challenges: Individuals with high-functioning autism may engage in repetitive behaviors or have restricted interests that can interfere with their ability to function in everyday situations. With early intervention, these behaviors can be addressed and minimized, allowing individuals to engage more fully in social, educational, and community activities.
- Reduced Risk of Secondary Issues: Without early diagnosis and intervention, individuals with high-functioning autism may develop secondary issues such as anxiety, depression, or social isolation. Identifying autism early can help prevent these additional challenges from becoming ingrained.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism to Watch Out For
High-functioning autism can be difficult to spot, especially in children who are verbal and exhibit average or above-average intelligence; it’s important to look for signs that indicate the need for a diagnosis. Common high-functioning autism symptoms can be divided into three categories, namely, social communication issues, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests.
Social Communication Challenges
Social communication challenges are common for individuals with high-functioning autism, affecting how they interact with others. These challenges can make social situations more difficult to navigate, as understanding unspoken cues or engaging in back-and-forth conversations requires skills that may not come naturally.
People with high-functioning autism may find it hard to interpret facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice, leading to miscommunications. The following are some examples of social communication challenges:
- Difficulty Understanding Social Cues: Individuals with high-functioning autism may not pick up on facial expressions, body language, or tone of voice, leading to misunderstandings in social interactions.
- Challenges with Eye Contact: While some people with autism avoid eye contact altogether, those with high-functioning autism may struggle to maintain appropriate eye contact during conversations, often looking away or staring blankly.
- Struggles with Back-and-Forth Conversations: Engaging in reciprocal conversation can be difficult for high-functioning autism. They might dominate conversations with topics of personal interest or struggle to maintain the flow of a typical conversation.
Repetitive Behaviors and Routines
Repetitive behaviors and routines are common traits in individuals with high-functioning autism, often providing comfort and a sense of control. These behaviors can manifest in various ways, such as repetitive movements like hand-flapping or spinning objects.
People with high-functioning autism may also show a strong preference for strict routines, finding comfort in predictability and experiencing distress when routines are disrupted. The following are some more examples of repetitive behaviors and routines:
- Engagement in Repetitive Movements: This might include actions such as hand-flapping, spinning objects, or repetitive body movements.
- Strict Adherence to Routines: People with high-functioning autism often thrive on routine and predictability. Any deviation from their usual routines might cause significant distress or anxiety.
- Focus on Specific Interests: Individuals with high-functioning autism may develop intense, narrow interests. These interests can become all-consuming, and they may talk about them incessantly, even when the listener shows no interest.
Sensory Sensitivities
Sensory sensitivities are a key characteristic of high-functioning autism, affecting how individuals perceive and react to sensory input. Many people with autism experience over-sensitivity, meaning they might feel overwhelmed by bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures, leading to discomfort or meltdowns in overstimulating environments.
Conversely, some individuals may have under-sensitivity to sensory stimuli, seeking out intense experiences like spinning, jumping, or repetitively touching objects. Below are some more examples of sensory sensitivities in autistic individuals:
- Over-Sensitivity to Sensory Input: Sensory sensitivities, such as being overly sensitive to bright lights, loud noises, or certain textures, are common in high-functioning autism. This can lead to discomfort and meltdowns in overstimulating environments.
- Under-Sensitivity to Sensory Stimuli: On the other hand, some individuals with high-functioning autism may show under-sensitivity to sensory input, seeking out intense sensory experiences like spinning, jumping, or touching objects repeatedly.
- Heightened Sense of Smell or Taste: Some individuals may be more sensitive to strong odors or particular tastes, leading to aversions or food restrictions.
- Difficulty with Sensory Integration: The brain may struggle to process multiple sensory inputs simultaneously, causing overwhelm when encountering complex or busy environments like crowded places or loud social events.
Recognizing these signs can be crucial in determining whether an individual may have high-functioning autism, especially when they don’t display the more obvious signs of autism.
Support for High-Functioning Autism in Maryland
If you’re wondering how high-functioning autism is diagnosed and are seeking support, ABA therapy in Maryland could be a great option to explore. At Crown ABA, we specialize in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy, which is proven to help individuals with autism learn essential skills and improve social and behavioral challenges.
ABA therapy provides individualized treatment plans based on the unique needs of each person with autism. Whether you’re looking for support for a child or an adult, our experienced team of professionals can guide your family through the process of diagnosis, intervention, and long-term support.
Get in touch with us today to learn more about how ABA therapy can assist your loved one in managing symptoms and improving quality of life. We’re here to help families in Maryland provide the best care for those with high-functioning autism.
