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High Functioning Autism
High Functioning Autism
Definition:
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a term for groups of
disorders relating to brain development. The disorders
are characterized by social interaction, verbal and non
verbal communication and repetitive behaviors. There
are 3 different levels on the autism spectrum.
High- Functioning Autism, Autism, Severe Autism.
Definition:
People with autism who seem to have a cognitively higher IQ advantage than
other people, but are at a disadvantage when it comes to social skills or
interactions. They tend to score in the average or above-average range on
intelligence tests. But they have the limited interests just like children on the mid
functioning autistic disorder.
This would include Asperger’s Syndrome. These children don't have a problem
with language, but struggle with interpretation of meaning, take things literally,
and it’s hard for them to understand appropriate communication.
› Robotic/repetitive speech. › Have a hard time understanding body
language.
› Wants to discuss self rather than others.
› Have trouble understanding other’s
› Inability to understand issues/phrases feelings or talking about their own
considered common sense. feelings.
› Lack of eye contact. › Have unusual sensory reactions.
› One-sided conversations. › Seem nervous in large social groups.
› Awkward movements/mannerisms. › Want to be alone,
› Average/below average nonverbal › Could want to interact, but don’t know
communication skills. how.
› Average/above average verbal › Improper or very few social
communication skills. interactions.
› Obsession with specific unique topics. › Repeats words or phrases over and
over (echolalia)
Possibly genes of parents.
Children who have sibling(s) or parent(s)
with ASD are at higher risk.
People who have certain medical
conditions.
Abnormal brain structures or functions
one of many other possible causes.
10% of children with ASD have genetic
disorder like fragile X syndrome, tuberous
sclerosis, down syndrome, and other
disorders.
Scientist don’t understand or know Harmful drugs during pregnancy like
all the causes of Autism. They prescription drugs and valproic acid.
have found that there might be
different factors that make a child Critical period before developing ASD
more likely to have it including happens before birth.
environmental, biologic, and
genetic factors.
Around 1 in 59 nationally, children
are on the autism spectrum.
Is only explained by improved
diagnosis and awareness.
4 times more common among
boys than girls.
1 of 37 boys and 1 of 151 girls are
diagnosed in the United States.
1 in 6 children in the United States
had a developmental disability.
› Don’t want friends.
› Intellectual disability (unable
to do every day skills)
› Result of bad parenting.
› Don’t have a sense of humor.
› Can’t feel emotions.
› Individuals are dangerous.
› Can’t have romantic
relationships.
› Aren’t affectionate.
Treatments are intense care that address social,
communication, and behavioral issues.
› Speech & Language Therapy
› Occupational Therapy
› Care from a Neurologist or Gastroenterologist
› Antipsychotic, anti-anxiety, and stimulant
medications control symptoms to some degree.
-Repetitive behaviors, anxiety, and irritability.
-Can cause side effects.
› Behavioral therapies like applied behavior analysis
sessions.
-Help modify behavior and develop social skills with
different techniques.
› Complementary Therapies
-Pet interaction
-Fine are and music participation
-Dietary programs (vitamin/mineral, diets free of
yeast, gluten artificial additive.)
Although treatments are available, there is no cure for
autism.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
M20DIK1Yt3A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr
4_dOorquQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6f
y7gUIp8Ms
› https://www.asws.org/WhatisAutism.aspx
› https://www.asws.org/Portals/0/Documents/Asperger
_Syndrome.pdf
› http://discovermagazine.com/2017/jul-aug/autism-
spectrum-disorder
› https://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-
kits/asperger-syndrome-and-high-functioning-autism-
tool-kit/introduction
› https://www.sarahdooleycenter.org/2016/12/stigma-
and-myths-about-autism/