Updated: 03/20/2024
Autism is a neurological disorder that affects social interaction and communication. In some cases, people with autism have high-functioning symptoms, which means they have normal intelligence and skills. This article will explore what high-functioning autism is and how it manifests in adults. We will break down the top 10 high-functioning autism symptoms in adults.
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What is High-Functioning Autism?
Also known as ASD, Autism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder that ranges in severity from relatively mild to severely impairing. While the exact cause of autism is not known, it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and other factors that interact to produce the disorder.
People with ASD typically have difficulties with social interaction and communication, along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. High-functioning autism (HFA) affects 1 in 88 children. It is characterized by superior IQ, intact language skills, relatively normal social interactions, and greater independence. High-functioning adults with autism often have strengths in areas such as intelligence, problem-solving, and creativity.
10 Signs of High-Functioning Autism In Adults
High-functioning autism is usually defined as a mild form of the disorder. They share many of the same symptoms as other people with autism, however, most of those symptoms tend to be much less severe. This is why it’s important to be aware of high-functioning autism symptoms in adults. Here are 10 signs of high-functioning autism in adults.
1. Social Challenges
Adults with high-functioning autism may have difficulty making and maintaining friendships. He or she may be more interested in working alone than socializing with others. The individual may enjoy solitary activities, such as reading books or watching television. A person with high-functioning autism may find it difficult to express his or her emotions, especially in social situations. He or she may not be able to interpret the facial expressions of others.
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2. Dedication to Routines
Individuals with high-functioning autism may be very focused on routine. They may also have strong likes and dislikes for certain routines and rituals. The individual may not enjoy change or unpredictability in his or her daily routine. Some people with autism find comfort and stability in their routines, which can help to regulate their emotions. These routines can also provide a sense of structure and order in a life that can be chaotic and unpredictable. For those with autism, following a specific set of rules can be a source of security and comfort.
3. Self Focused
Self-focus is one of the hallmark symptoms of high-functioning autism in adults. People with autism often obsess about their own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This can lead to a lack of empathy and problems with socializing and interacting with others.
Autism self-focus can also lead to problems with self-esteem. People with autism often focus on their flaws rather than their strengths. This can make it difficult for them to feel good about themselves.
4. Speech & Language Problems
One of the linguistic oddities associated with autism is a decreased ability to use proper grammar. This difficulty can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including using improper word order, incorrect verb tenses, and frequent errors in word choice. Some autistic individuals also have difficulty with metalinguistic skills, which refers to their ability to understand and use language correctly.
5. Sensory Challenges
One of the most common sensory challenges faced by autistic individuals is an inability to differentiate between sounds and other stimuli. This can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including auditory processing problems, as well as difficulty with visual and tactile processing. In addition to these challenges, some autistic individuals experience a significant amount of tinnitus, which is the perception of sound in the absence of external stimuli. Additionally, some autistic individuals experience sensory overload when presented with a large number of stimuli at once.
6. Hypersensitive Emotions
Some people with autism have a higher-than-average sensitivity to emotions, which can make them hypersensitive to the feelings of others. This can make them feel overwhelmed and embarrassed and can lead to problems in social situations. People with autism should be aware of their emotional sensitivity and take steps to manage it so that they can participate fully in society.
7. Struggle With Change
Adults with high-functioning autism typically do not like change. He or she may have difficulty adjusting to changes, especially if it means having to give up something familiar. For example, he or she may refuse to accept changes in the way you eat breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For these people, change can make daily life difficult. This may be due to difficulties in adapting to new situations or environments or feeling overwhelmed by sudden change. Some people with autism may also find it difficult to understand why things need to be changed. Change can also be a trigger for meltdowns, which are sudden and intense reactions to changes in routine or environment.
8. Movement Disorders
Individuals with autism often have unusual movement patterns, which can make it difficult for them to communicate and participate in typical activities. Some of the most common movement disorders associated with autism include stiff or rigid muscles, poor balance, and problems with movement coordination. These abnormalities can cause increased difficulty in performing tasks that require flexibility or strength, such as walking or playing sports.
9. Sleep Problems
Insomnia is one of the most common sleep disorders that can affect individuals with autism. It is a condition characterized by difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. This is often because of the way that autistic individuals process sensory information and the way that their brains are wired. Some common sleep problems that people with autism experience include: hypersensitivity to sound or light, difficulties falling asleep, restless sleep, and repetitive behavior during sleep. People with autism also tend to have trouble waking up in the morning. Certain medications may exacerbate the symptoms of autism.
10. Repetitive Habits
Some common repetitive habits among adults with high-functioning autism are hand flapping and rocking. These behaviors may be calming or soothing to those with the disorder, but they can be disruptive and difficult to control in settings where they are not welcome. The repetitive behaviors of autism can be harmful to those with the disorder and others around them. For example, people with autism often engage in self-injury or harm to others. Efforts should be made to accommodate the needs of those with autism while still maintaining a safe and productive environment.
Final Thoughts
High-functioning autism (HFA) is a condition that is characterized by mild impairments in social interaction, communication, and restricted and repetitive behaviors. Although many children with HFA eventually outgrow these difficulties, many adults with HFA continue to experience some challenges in their lives.
Adults with HFA can sometimes have difficulty sustaining normal social relationships, working or attending school, and living independently. They may also experience a range of psychiatric disorders, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Adults with high-functioning autism may require some accommodations in their everyday lives but are generally able to lead productive, independent lives.
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