Table 3 from Sensory processing abilities and their relation to participation in leisure activities among children with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (HFASD) | Semantic Scholar (2024)

FAQs

How do you treat HFA? ›

Treatment for high-functioning autism

Occupational therapy, physical therapy, and talk therapy are all alternatives for autism treatment. However, Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) is commonly regarded as the "gold standard" of autism therapy.

People with high functioning autism may exhibit a delay or lack of social skills. They can have difficulty understanding the feelings and reactions of others which can make them appear to be insensitive at times. Some people may struggle to interact and insist on talking about things they are passionate about instead.

Level of Cognitive Functioning

Children can be diagnosed with AS and still struggle with other cognitive impairments not directly related to autism, such as dyslexia. On the other hand, HFA is typically present in children with IQs that are average to above average. Cognitive impairments are not associated with HFA.

Symptoms of High-Functioning Autism

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.

People with ASD often have problems with social communication and interaction, and restricted or repetitive behaviors or interests. People with ASD may also have different ways of learning, moving, or paying attention.

All individuals with ASD exhibit social communication impairments. In the first few years of life, salient signs of autism include lack of appropriate eye contact and inability to initiate or respond to joint attention (i.e., sharing social experiences with a communication partner).

While high-functioning autism is considered a disability, individuals with this condition often possess unique skills and abilities that can be beneficial in the workplace.

High-functioning autistic children may become distressed when they face new situations and they are out of their comfort zone. The feelings of confusion and helplessness, accompanied by increased stress and anxiety levels due to change in routine, may result in a meltdown.

What is the smart autism called? ›

Savant syndrome is a rare condition in which persons with various developmental disorders, including autistic disorder, have an amazing ability and talent. The condition can be congenital (genetic or inborn), or can be acquired later in childhood, or even in adults.

Although the exact cause of autism is still unknown, there is evidence to suggest that genetics play a significant role. Since autism is less prevalent in females, autism was always thought to be passed down from the mother. However, research suggests that autism genes are usually inherited from the father.

For example, someone with high-functioning autism may struggle with maintaining eye contact or adjusting behavior for different social settings. Repetitive patterns of behavior or obsessive interests. Someone with high-functioning autism may be highly educated about a certain subject or have a very fixed routine.

The researchers found that autistic men without a learning disability had an average estimated life expectancy of 74.6 years, and autistic women without a learning disability, around 76.8 years.

As a result, adults with high-functioning autism often seek psychotherapy to address challenges related to depression, anxiety, difficulties in social interaction and communication, as well as coping with everyday life and stress regulation (5, 6).

Treatment and management

Autism is not curable, but it may change throughout a person's life. Some children may even appear to grow out of the behaviors leading to their diagnosis in adulthood. In other cases, a person might not realize they have autism symptoms until they are an adult.

There is no cure for high-functioning autism, but early intervention and treatment can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

The only medications approved by the FDA for children with autism are Abilify and Risperdal. Both are antipsychotic medications that can help with irritability and aggression.