High Functioning Autism

Author: Mr. Pat Matthews (ISA-Dublin-IE)

Introduction

Persons diagnosed with high functioning autism usually have near normal or above normal intelligence. However, they are often severely impaired in their ability to deal with interpersonal relationships. Other characteristics evident in their behaviour include a lack of desire to interact with others, a lack of appreciation of social cues and socially and emotionally inappropriate behaviour. Persons with high-functioning autism often display obsessive, repetitive traits, problems with speech and language and clumsy body language. As with other autistic spectrum disorders persons with high-functioning autism dislike change and generally display a preference for routines. In a report of the working group on Asperger’s syndrome (in Ireland), Asperger’s syndrome/high-functioning autism was described as a hidden disability where often at first glance parents and professionals perceive the child as ‘normal’. 

Raising a child with any autistic spectrum disorder (ASD) places huge demands on parents and on other family members with parents often struggling with how to respond to the needs of the whole family. Research indicates that the majority of brothers and sisters of children with ASD cope well. However, that is not to say that they do not experience challenges in coping with a sibling with ASD.

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