People with high-functioning autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1) often struggle with social communication (reading cues, making friends, literal interpretation), sensory overload (lights, sounds), rigid routines, changes, executive functions (planning, organizing), and intense focus on specific interests, leading to anxiety, misunderstanding, and emotional regulation issues despite strong verbal skills.
Individuals with high-functioning autism may struggle with understanding social cues, interpreting others' emotions, and engaging in reciprocal conversations. They may find it challenging to make friends, maintain relationships, and navigate social situations.
High-functioning autism (HFA) is a term used to describe individuals on the autism spectrum, or those diagnosed with ASD, who have average or above-average intelligence and good verbal skills but still experience challenges related to social interaction, communication, and behavior.
They may have difficulty initiating and maintaining friendships, engaging in imaginative play, or participating in group activities. Social situations that involve sharing, taking turns, or cooperating may be particularly challenging for them.
While individuals with high IQ autism may have exceptional intellectual abilities, they may struggle with managing their emotions. They may experience intense feelings of frustration, anxiety, or anger, and may have difficulty expressing these emotions appropriately.
Around 90% of autism cases are attributed to genetic factors, meaning autism is highly heritable, with many different genes contributing, rather than a single cause, often interacting with environmental influences during early brain development, though specific environmental factors don't cause it but can increase risk. Twin studies show strong genetic links, with concordance rates between 60-90% in identical twins, and research points to complex interactions of many genes and prenatal/perinatal factors.
The "6-second rule" for autism is a communication strategy where a speaker pauses for about six seconds after asking a question or giving information, giving the autistic person extra time to process it without feeling rushed, which helps reduce anxiety and allows for a more thoughtful response, reducing frustration for both parties. Instead of repeating or rephrasing, which can be confusing, you wait, and if needed, repeat the exact same words after the pause.
Individuals with high IQ autism have exceptional strengths, such as advanced memory skills, attention to detail, and advanced language and problem-solving skills. It is essential to find a specialist who can diagnose high IQ autism, as it can be challenging to distinguish from other types of autism.
One common expression of anger in high-functioning autism is intense emotional outbursts such as tantrums, verbal aggression, and even physical aggression. These episodes can include shouting, name-calling, hitting, slapping, or destroying objects.
Chinning is a form of repetitive self-stimulatory behavior (stimming) that you may notice in children or adults with autism. It involves pressing, rubbing, or holding the chin against objects, surfaces, or even hands to gain sensory input or comfort.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Children
May appear more mature for their age and have above-average intelligence. A tendency to avoid eye contact. Trouble deviating from a routine or adapting to changes. Trouble making friends and maintaining social relationships, or not “fitting in” with peers.
Top 10 Calming Strategies for Autism
Dr. Wong explains that “high-functioning” is an informal term some use to describe people living with milder forms of autism. “Mild,” in this case, means that their autistic characteristics have only a minimal impact on their daily lives. They don't cause substantial impairment.
In general, people who have an active lifestyle are much more emotionally resilient and focused. There also seems to be some evidence that physical exercise helps people with depression and ADHD, which are commonly co-occurring conditions with autism.
Emotional regulation in high-functioning autism
The rage cycle typical for many in this demographic includes three stages: rumbling, where anger builds up; rage, characterized by aggressive responses; and recovery, marked by withdrawal and exhaustion.
Yelling at an autistic child can cause confusion, fear, and emotional distress that may last far longer than you'd expect. Because autistic kids often process language, tone, and emotions differently, loud voices can be overwhelming—sometimes even physically painful.
Analytical Thinking: People with an autism spectrum disorder think in a logically consistent way that leads to quick decision making. These thinkers can make decisions without experiencing the framing effect that inhibits most neurotypicals from making decisions without bias.
The different types of autism include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), autistic disorder (classic autism), Asperger's syndrome, pervasive developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), and Rett syndrome.
Physical Symptoms:
Kanner's Syndrome
This type of autism is characterized by difficulties in social interaction, communication challenges, and restricted interests or repetitive behaviors from an early age. Individuals with Kanner's Syndrome often exhibit a high degree of intelligence but may struggle with social awareness.
Often, the autistic mind sees things differently. This can give people with autism the ability to sense, understand, and value things that many overlook. For them, love is often rooted in action and presence rather than traditional verbal cues.
There's no single "hardest" age for autism; challenges shift across developmental stages, with preschool (2-5) often tough due to noticeable differences in social/language skills, elementary (6-10) marked by growing academic/social demands, and adolescence (11-17) frequently being overwhelming due to complex social pressures, puberty, and identity formation, say Bluebell ABA Therapy and Blossom ABA Therapy. While early childhood (ages 3-6) sees initial progress for many, this often stalls around age six, a critical turning point where increased support is crucial, according to research, notes The Transmitter.
"Looping" in autism, often called "autism looping," is a non-clinical term for getting stuck in repetitive thought patterns, questions, or phrases, like a broken record, often due to anxiety, sensory overload, or a need for resolution, making it hard to switch focus and causing stress, overlapping with perseveration and rumination. It can manifest as replaying conversations, worrying intensely, or repeating sounds/words (echolalia) as a way to process or self-regulate.
Children with autism may exhibit rigidity, inflexibility and certain types of repetitive behavior such as: Insistence on following a specific routine. Having difficulty accepting changes in the schedule. A strong preoccupation with a particular interest.