Symptoms. Like all people on the autism spectrum, people who are high functioning have a hard time with social interaction and communication. They don't naturally read social cues and might find it difficult to make friends. They can get so stressed by a social situation that they shut down.
not understanding social "rules", such as not talking over people. avoiding eye contact. getting too close to other people, or getting very upset if someone touches or gets too close to you. noticing small details, patterns, smells or sounds that others do not.
Many individuals with high-functioning autism are diagnosed later in life. Their autism often goes unnoticed due to average or higher than average intellect. Furthermore, in order to fit in many individuals with autism work very hard to mask or hide their autistic traits.
Level 1 is the mildest, or “highest functioning” form of autism, which includes those who would have previously been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Individuals with ASD level 1 may have difficulty understanding social cues and may struggle to form and maintain personal relationships.
Meltdowns are overwhelming emotions and quite common in Level 1 Autistic kids. They can be caused by anything from a very minor incident to something more traumatic. They last until the kid is either completely exhausted, or he gains control of his emotions, which is not easy for him to do.
Level 2 Autism
Examples of issues for those with level two autism include: Have more significant problems when it comes to both verbal and also non-verbal communication. Talk in simple, single sentences. Elicit repetitive behaviors.
High functioning autism (HFA) is a subtype of autism that describes individuals with average or above-average intelligence and language skills, but who still struggle with social communication and behavior. Like other forms of autism, HFA symptoms can change over time, but it does not necessarily get worse with age.
People with level 1 autism are typically considered higher functioning and need the least support. People with level 3 autism are typically considered lower functioning and need the most support.
While some people with autism merely yell or stamp, many really do become overwhelmed by their own emotions. 3 Bolting, hitting, self-abuse, crying, and screaming are all possibilities. These can be particularly frightening—and even dangerous—when the autistic individual is physically large.
Autistic people have a lot to contend with. The difficulties they experience in everyday life – due, for example, to communication and sensory differences - may lead to feelings of frustration and anger.
A meltdown for a teen with high-functioning autism and anger can last just a few minutes to several hours. Remember that these meltdowns are not an attempt to manipulate you to get something they want. Angry outbursts are typically a cry for help when they are overwhelmed and unable to stop themselves.
Symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Adults
Trouble interpreting facial expressions, body language, or social cues. Difficulty regulating emotion. Trouble keeping up a conversation. Inflection that does not reflect feelings.
Autism characteristics can change significantly from ages 3 to 11.
High-functioning autistic people can usually live independently and have successful careers.
Long-term research that involved following a group of individuals with autism for two decades indicates that the average life expectancy for some autistic people is about 39 years.
Einstein himself had many autistic traits. He did not learn to speak until he was three, and he had a lack of concern about his appearance.
Elon Musk - Entrepreneur
Elon Musk announced that he was on the autism spectrum while hosting the show, “Saturday Night Live,” in May 2021. More specifically, he stated that he was “the first person with Asperger's” to host the show. Musk is one of the world's richest people with a net worth of more than $150 billion.
Thomas Jefferson – This famous Founding Father of the United States of America, former President of the United States and principle author of the Declaration of Independence was said to have been autistic or have Asperger's syndrome.
If you still hear people use some of the older terms, you'll want to know what they mean: Asperger's syndrome. This is on the milder end of the autism spectrum. A person with Asperger's may be very intelligent and able to handle their daily life.
Most children with level 3 autism exhibit self-stimulatory and repetitive behaviors. These behaviors may include moaning, flapping, door slamming, or violent rocking, which are potentially extreme and difficult to manage. There may also be physical symptoms such as sleeplessness, epilepsy, and gastrointestinal issues.
A person can also have different levels across the two domains — for example, someone might have level 1 autism for social communication and level 2 for restricted/repetitive behaviors. Each of those criteria has its own degree of support.