According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects an estimated 1 in 54 children in the United States. Within this group, some individuals are considered to be “high-functioning” and are able to live independently and maintain employment. However, it is worth noting that “high-functioning” is a relative term and can vary from person to person. Studies have found that many individuals with high-functioning autism may still experience significant challenges in social interactions and communication, and may have difficulty with certain occupational or educational settings. Additionally, some studies have estimated that up to 84% of adults with autism spectrum disorder are unemployed or underemployed.
What Is High Functioning Adult Autism?
High-functioning autism, also known as Asperger’s syndrome, is a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by difficulties in social interactions and communication, along with repetitive behaviors or interests. However, individuals with high-functioning autism tend to have better language and cognitive skills than those with other forms of autism. They may be able to live independently, attend mainstream schools, and maintain employment. However, it is important to note that “high-functioning” is a relative term and can vary from person to person. Even though these individuals may have average or above-average IQ, they may still experience significant challenges in social interactions and communication and may have difficulty with certain occupational or educational settings. It’s important to understand that every person with autism is unique and may have a different set of strengths and challenges.
What are the Signs of High Functioning Autism in Adults?
Here are some common signs of high-functioning autism (also known as Asperger’s syndrome) in adults:
- Difficulty with social interactions: Individuals with high-functioning autism may have difficulty understanding social cues, such as body language and tone of voice, and may have difficulty initiating and maintaining conversations.
- Repetitive or restrictive behaviors: Some adults with high-functioning autism may have repetitive behaviors or interests, such as repeating certain phrases or having a strong interest in a specific topic.
- Difficulty with nonverbal communication: Individuals with high-functioning autism may have difficulty interpreting nonverbal cues, such as facial expressions or body language, and may have difficulty understanding sarcasm or irony.
- Difficulty with change: Some adults with high-functioning autism may have a strong preference for routine and may have difficulty with change. They may have a need for predictability and consistency in their daily lives.
- Sensory sensitivities: Some individuals with high-functioning autism may have sensitivities to certain types of sensory input, such as loud noises or bright lights.
- Difficulty understanding emotions: Some adults with high-functioning autism may have difficulty understanding and expressing emotions, and may have difficulty interpreting social cues.
- Speech and language difficulties: Some individuals with
- high-functioning autism may have difficulty with speech and language, such as difficulty understanding idioms or figurative language.
Why is it Important to Diagnose Autism in Adults?
Diagnosing high-functioning autism in adults is important for several reasons:
- Understanding the diagnosis can help individuals understand themselves better and provide them with a sense of validation and self-awareness.
- A diagnosis can open up access to services and support that can help with daily living, including occupational therapy, counseling, and social skills training.
- It can help individuals with autism better navigate the workplace and improve their chances of finding and retaining employment.
- A diagnosis can help individuals with high-functioning autism access accommodations that may be necessary to help them succeed in academic or occupational settings.
- It can help family members and loved ones understand the individual’s behaviors and challenges, which can improve communication and relationships.
- Knowing the diagnosis can help with the development of better interventions and support for individuals with high-functioning autism, this can help them to have a better quality of life.
Is it Difficult or Awkward To Communicate With Someone With ASD?
Communicating with an adult with high-functioning autism may be different than communicating with someone without autism, but it doesn’t have to be difficult or awkward. Here are some tips for communicating with someone with high-functioning autism:
- Be direct and specific in your communication. Adults with high-functioning autism may have difficulty understanding subtle social cues or interpreting nonverbal communication.
- Be patient. Some individuals with autism may have difficulty processing information quickly, or may take longer to respond to questions.
- Avoid using figurative language or idioms. Individuals with autism may have difficulty understanding metaphorical language.
- Be aware of sensory sensitivities. Some individuals with autism may have sensitivities to certain types of sensory input, such as loud noises or bright lights.
- Give them time to process information and respond. It can be easy to speak quickly, it is important to take into account that they may need more time to process and respond.
- Avoid interrupting them when they are speaking.
- Show understanding and respect for their perspective. People with autism think in a different way, it is important to understand and respect their unique perspective on the world.
- Avoid making assumptions or stereotypes. Every person with autism is unique and may have a different set of strengths and challenges.
It is important to remember that people with high-functioning autism are individuals with their own personalities and preferences, just like anyone else. Communicating with them may require some adjustments, but with patience and understanding, it can be successful.
Do Adults with ASD Have a Hard Time With Changes?
Some adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) may have a strong preference for routine and may have difficulty with change. They may have a need for predictability and consistency in their daily lives and may become anxious or upset when their routine is disrupted.
This can make it difficult for them to adapt to new situations or changes in plans. They may also have difficulty with transitions, such as moving from one activity to another or going to a new location.
On the other hand, other adults with autism may be more adaptable to change, and may be able to handle new situations and changes in plans better. They may also be able to handle transitions and new situations with more ease.
Do Adults With ASD Have a Hard Time Making Emotional Connections?
Some adults with high-functioning autism may have difficulty with emotional connections, but this can vary greatly from person to person. Many individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have difficulty understanding and expressing emotions, and may have difficulty interpreting social cues and nonverbal communication.
This can make it difficult for them to form and maintain emotional connections with others. However, some adults with high-functioning autism are able to form close and meaningful relationships with family members, friends, and romantic partners.
Research suggests that many adults with high-functioning autism tend to have difficulties with social interactions and communication, including those related to emotions. They may have difficulty understanding the emotions of others and expressing their own emotions. They may also struggle to pick up on social cues, such as facial expressions or tone of voice, which can make it difficult to interpret the emotions of others.
It’s important to note that individuals with high-functioning autism are unique and may have a different set of strengths and challenges. Some may have difficulty with emotional connections but others may not.
If you or a loved one is struggling with any signs of ASD let us help you. Contact us today by calling. We have professionals waiting to help and answer any questions you may have.
