Autism is a neurological/developmental spectrum disorder that can include many different symptoms and a broad range of severity from mild to severe. High-functioning autism, formerly referred to as Asperger’s syndrome, is an informal term that refers to autistic people who have mild symptoms, low support needs, can handle basic life skills, and can live independently. It is not an official medical term or diagnosis.

Symptoms of High-Functioning Autism

People with high-functioning autism typically have good verbal skills, an average or above average IQ, and excel in certain areas of specific interest, as well as specialized fields such as technology or the arts.

Nevertheless, they too share several identifying traits with individuals on other levels of the autism spectrum, such as a lack of social skills, struggles with sensory processing, and significant challenges in areas such as interacting and communicating with others, which can negatively impact their confidence and self-esteem.

Although people with high-functioning autism may understand the rules of grammar and have a good vocabulary, for instance, they have difficulty discerning other people’s feelings and reactions; take things literally and have trouble understanding figurative speech, jokes, or sarcasm; are unable to recognize social cues or interpret facial expressions or body language; and have difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations.

They tend to avoid eye contact or small talk, be unaware of personal space, can get so stressed by social situations that they shut down, and have trouble making or maintaining friendships.

People with high-functioning autism may also be very rigid when it comes to routines and orderliness, have restricted interests, engage in repetitive patterns of behavior such as hand flapping; and be hypersensitive to sensory stimuli such as bright lights, strong smells, or loud noises, which can make outings difficult and lead to emotional meltdowns.

High-functioning autism may be hard to spot because by the time these individuals reach adulthood, many have developed ways to cope, compensate, and mask their symptoms, and they may not realize they are autistic or that what they are doing is anything other than normal.

Managing Symptoms of High-Functioning Autism

With the right support and accommodations, people with high-functioning autism can live fulfilling and productive lives. Two common evidence-based interventions that are highly beneficial are social skills training and applied behavioral analysis.

Social skills training (SST)The goal of social skills training is to help you understand social interactions, learn how to effectively engage with others, and equip you to navigate social situations smoothly. The focus is on developing skills such as active listening, understanding non-verbal clues, and expressing yourself clearly and appropriately.

Applied behavioral analysis (ABA) Applied behavioral analysis is a therapeutic approach that uses positive reinforcement to help you replace challenging behaviors with more positive, appropriate ones. The focus is on teaching social skills in a systematic way that breaks them down into smaller components, and on equipping you with coping techniques for dealing with sensory overload.

Vocational therapy, though not specifically a therapeutic intervention, can help you address workplace-related challenges such as hypersensitivity to noise that makes it hard for you to work in a traditional setting. It can also help you find a job that aligns with your interests and strengths in an accommodating workplace where you can achieve your fullest potential and enjoy a successful, rewarding career.

Finding a Christian therapist in Newport Beach

If you would like to learn some of these therapies to help you or a loved one with high-functioning autism, contact our office today at Newport Beach Christian Counseling in California. Our reception team would be happy to schedule your first assessment with one of the Christian therapists in Newport Beach.