High-functioning autism was historically an autism classification where a person exhibits no intellectual disability, but may exhibit deficits in communication, emotion recognition and expression, and social interaction.
Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Children
May appear more mature for their age and have above-average intelligence. A tendency to avoid eye contact. Trouble deviating from a routine or adapting to changes. Trouble making friends and maintaining social relationships or not “fitting in” with peers.
Those with mild autism are typically able to live independently, get an education, hold a job, and so on. This is not to say that this won't come with some challenges, however.
When Does Autism Get Easier? A new study found that around 30% of young autistic children have less severe symptoms at age 6 than they did at age 3. Interestingly, some children lose their autism diagnoses entirely.
In fact, children can improve and get better. "We found that nearly 30% of young children have less severe autism symptoms at age 6 than they did at age 3.
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.
A child with level 1 autism may understand and speak in complete sentences, but have difficulty engaging in back-and-forth conversation. Children with ASD level 1 experience some inflexibility of behavior, like difficulty switching between tasks, staying organized, and planning.
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.
It's worth noting that not all autistic individuals will display genius-level talents. However, for those who do possess exceptional abilities in certain areas, their diagnosis of autism should not detract from their achievements.
Between the 1960s and 1990s, 20% of autistic individuals had a range of intelligence shown as normal. In 2014, half of the people with the disorder had intelligence above average, which is an IQ score of 85 and higher.
The intelligence levels of autistic people, in general, are highly polarized, with many autistic people scoring average to above-average; compared to the general public, more autistic people score in the gifted range (140+ IQ).
ASD Level 1 – Level 1 ASD is currently the lowest classification.
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. They may be really focused on topics that interest them and discuss them nonstop. But they have a much harder time socially.
Level 1 autism may present with some rigidity to schedules or behaviors, but those with level 3 may experience extreme distress when tasks or schedules are changed. Can Level 1 Autism Be Cured? Autism of any level is a lifetime condition; there is currently no known cure.
Can autism skip a generation? Yes, it's possible for autism to skip a generation. This is because the genes that contribute to autism can be passed down from grandparents to grandchildren, even if the parents do not have the condition.
A number of studies have suggested that it takes a bigger genetic 'hit' to cause autism in girls than in boys — on average, girls who have autism tend to have more gene changes than boys do.
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disability caused by differences in the brain. Some people with ASD have a known difference, such as a genetic condition. Other causes are not yet known.
Two major U.S. studies have found that 4 to 13 percent of children lose their autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis, but that doesn't always mean a complete "recovery" from developmental problems.
Instead, it is an informal term referring to less severe ASD symptoms. Someone might describe themselves as having borderline autism when: they suspect they have traits of ASD but do not have a diagnosis. they have some symptoms of ASD but do not meet the criteria for ASD.
With behavior and occupational therapies, children with moderate autism can achieve a level of independence. Often, they can learn to dress, bathe, and feed themselves, and they may even be able to hold a job eventually. Intellectual and other challenges may hinder complete independence, though.
Level 1 autism is the mildest form of autism, but it is still defined as needing support. Some people with level 1 autism have difficulty in a mainstream classroom due to sensory challenges and are more comfortable in a smaller class setting.
About stimming and autism
Stimming might include: hand and finger mannerisms – for example, finger-flicking and hand-flapping. unusual body movements – for example, rocking back and forth while sitting or standing. posturing – for example, holding hands or fingers out at an angle or arching the back while sitting.
However, the fitness tests showed that aerobic fitness, flexibility and body mass index of children with autism spectrum disorders was similar to the children without autism. The strength test was the only one that children with autism spectrum disorders did not perform as well in, the study said.
Some people on the autism spectrum may seek social opportunities and may initiate social interactions themselves, others may enjoy social situations and interactions when they are initiated effectively by others.