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.
The life expectancy for Level 2 ASD ranges from 50-60 years old. This is slightly lower than Level 1 and the national average. In some studies, the life expectancy is even lower. The factors that can contribute to a shorter life are injuries to self, injuries stemming from unawareness, trauma, and suicide.
While some high-functioning autistic adults are successful, quite a few are severely challenged. Surprisingly, "severe" autism is not always the biggest obstacle to employment or even personal happiness.
One of the most common challenges faced by individuals with autism is difficulty regulating emotions, including anger. Anger is a natural emotion that everyone experiences from time to time. However, for individuals with autism, anger can be more intense and difficult to manage.
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.
Due to the behavioural, information processing and sensory aspects of their diagnosis, many people on the autism spectrum often prefer familiar environments with a predictable routine. Restricted and repetitive interests, sensory processing differences and heightened anxiety can make even small changes stressful.
Long-term memory skills and higher intelligence
Even so, children with HFA showed good verbal working memory, associative learning ability, and recognition memory. Autistic people are highly polarised, with average to above-average intelligence compared to the general public.
Some autistic people can experience difficulties making themselves understood, understanding what's being said to them, and understanding facial expressions and body language. This can cause considerable frustration and anxiety which may result in anger or distressed behaviour.
Listening to what the person wants to say can go a long way in showing that you care and support them. If you get confused about what the person is talking about, ask clarifying questions. If the individual makes any inappropriate comments, point it out to them in a respectful way and explain why it is inappropriate.
But regardless of whether you were diagnosed with autism in childhood or later on, treatment for high functioning autism can help you better manage your disorder. If you feel your condition is impacting your quality of life, it may be time to speak to your doctor.
Common triggers may include changes in routine, sensory overload, frustration with communication, and difficulties with social interaction. Develop coping strategies: Once the triggers are identified, parents can work with their child to develop coping strategies.
Aggression in autism can involve severe tantrums, anger, hostility, sudden-onset violent outbursts including self-harm and rage 'episodes'. Up to 20% of individuals with autism exhibit such violent behaviours.
In the general population, young children often become less aggressive as they get older and learn better ways to express themselves. But for some with autism, aggression persists through the teen years into adulthood.
The FDA has approved the use of some antipsychotic drugs, such as risperidone and aripripazole, for treating irritability associated with ASD in children between certain ages. Parents should talk with their child's healthcare providers about any medications for children with ASD.
Main signs of autism
getting very anxious about social situations. finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on your own. seeming blunt, rude or not interested in others without meaning to. finding it hard to say how you feel.
Someone who is considered a savant may be especially skilled in art, math, music, memory recall, or another subject. Savant syndrome is commonly associated with autism but can occur alongside other conditions.
Low functioning autism, on the other hand, refers to those individuals who cannot even perform simple, daily tasks by themselves. They have a more difficult time learning coping mechanisms and controlling their symptoms.
For some, it will be talking about their special interests to someone who will actually listen, or just listening quietly to music through headphones. And remember, what makes one person happy may be unique to them. Sometimes a quiet contented mind can be the happiest feeling of all.
They may appear to be too over-friendly.
People with autism may get easily attached to people, leading them to become over-friendly.