Most people have a basic idea of what autism looks like. Unfortunately, that idea often comes from stereotypes and depictions within the media. Autism is on a spectrum for a reason—it doesn’t always look the same. While you’ve probably seen movies, television shows, or news segments about people with severe autism, you might not know as much about what high-functioning autism looks like. People with high-functioning autism typically lead full, healthy, independent lives. In some cases, the people around them might not be aware they’re on the spectrum.

Understanding more about high-functioning autism can help to break some of the stereotypes and stigmas surrounding the spectrum. Let’s take a closer look at this level of autism and why it’s important to acknowledge it.

It’s Not Widely Known

High-functioning autism isn’t an official medical term. Rather, it’s a label people use to describe someone on the spectrum who doesn’t fit the stereotypical “signs” of autism. 

It’s not a widely-known term for several reasons. First, many people with high-functioning autism are diagnosed later in life. When you think about autistic disorders, children likely come to mind. You probably don’t think about adults getting diagnosed for the first time. Many adults who did get diagnosed as adults may have just been perceived as highly-intelligent children. 

Additionally, because there can be stigma surrounding autism, those who are high-functioning sometimes work very hard to mask their symptoms. They don’t want to be judged, labeled, or stereotyped, so it’s harder to see some of the common signs. 

What Are the Signs of High-Functioning Autism?

Though high-functioning autism is an informal term and people exhibit signs differently, some of the most common include : 

• Social difficulties

• Repetitiveness

• Sensory issues

While you might think these signs would be obvious to everyone, that isn’t always the case. Most people with high-functioning autism are able to speak, read, write, and handle basic life skills on their own.

Some of the difficulties adults with high-functioning autism can face include struggling to read social cues and participate in conversations. They might have a hard time understanding body language and certain expressions. They may also struggle to understand the expectations and perspectives of others.  That can be incredibly frustrating, especially when trying to navigate the social demands of adult life. Adults with high functioning autism may also feel overwhelmed by too much sensory input.  This may show up as choosing to limit common social activities because of the cognitive energy it takes to navigate these environments and situations. 

A preference for sameness in routines and tasks and the resulting anxiety if those routines change is also common. Unfortunately, this may appear to others as being rigid or stubborn. Another common sign of high functioning autism is intense interest in and focus on specific topics. There can be intense focus on these topics and difficulty recognizing when others are not as interested, particularly in social interactions.  

It’s important to understand that autism can also look different in women.  For instance, some women with high-functioning autism have learned to mask their symptoms by copying those without autism. Women with high-functioning autism may also appear to cope better with social situations and may have fewer repetitive behaviors than males. This means that women with high functioning autism can struggle even in their adult years, often not understanding the source of their struggles. 

What Should You Do if You Have High-Functioning Autism?

If you haven’t gotten an official diagnosis of high-functioning autism, it’s never too late. Maybe you’ve spent most of your life feeling misunderstood or “different” somehow. Getting that diagnosis can provide a sense of relief and help you gain clarity about different aspects of your functioning and experience. In turn, this can help you feel more comfortable and confident with who you are.  If you suspect you have autism, a licensed psychologist who specializes in autism evaluations for adults can perform a thorough psychological assessment to confirm if you have autism. As part of the assessment process, they will develop recommendations individualized to help you navigate the unique demands of your life. Psychologytoday.com is a good resource to find licensed psychologists who specialize in autism evaluations for adults. 

For those who receive a diagnosis of autism in adulthood, therapy can be a helpful intervention to help them make sense of the diagnosis and provide support for navigating their lives. 

It might feel strange learning about autism for the first time as an adult. But the more well-informed you are, the more empowered you’ll feel. 

About: Chanderbhan Psychological Services is a therapy practice located in Laredo, Texas. We help individuals and couples who are struggling in different areas of their lives gain the clarity they need to grow and change. We also offer telehealth to individuals located in the wider State of Texas.  To read blogs on mental health and relationships, visit our website.