Many people have preconceived notions about what autism spectrum disorder (ASD) looks like and entails. It's a developmental disability that can affect how a person behaves, communicates, interacts with others, and learns. But there's no such thing as a "typical" autism experience. As the saying goes, when you meet one person with autism, you've met one person with autism.
There are several different ways to classify types of autism based on the level of impact it has on one's life and the level of support they require. One of these is known as high-functioning autism. Let's take a look at some of the often-overlooked struggles that people with high-functioning autism face.
What Is High-Functioning Autism?
High-functioning autism is a classification used to describe the autism of people who need little to moderate support. While people with high-functioning autism may have some difficulties within their day-to-day lives, they might not require as much support as another autistic person.
The Traits
ASD can be grouped into three levels based on how much support a person needs. Level one requires some support, level two requires a considerable amount of support, and level three requires a very substantial amount of support.
Individuals who would be described as high functioning often have needs that are overlooked. Below are some of the symptoms that are typically seen in autistic adults and children with level-one traits:
Anxiety and/or Mood Disorders
Anxiety and other types of mood disorders commonly coexist with autism. This could happen because of the discrimination and social rejection that these individuals can experience from being viewed as slightly different from their peers.
Communication Challenges
Communication challenges can occur in someone with autism in a variety of ways. A person with autism may have a harder time understanding things like body language, facial expressions, or tone of voice. They also may struggle when communicating with someone who uses figures of speech or is sarcastic. And if they're experiencing anxiety or stress, communication can become even more challenging.
Difficulty Managing Emotions
Some people with autism may feel emotions more intensely than others. This can make it harder for them to control and manage their own emotions. They can be more likely to experience meltdowns that seem oversized for the circumstances.
Sensory Overload
People with autism can experience sensory overload when they're in large group settings such as sporting events, shopping centers, or movie theaters. Large crowds and events that involve a lot of different tastes, smells, sounds, lights, and touching can be too much to deal with all at once.
Trouble Staying Organized
Individuals with autism can also experience challenges with executing tasks and staying organized. They may struggle to maintain focus on long-term projects, complete household chores, and stick to a schedule or routine.
Support for Those with High-Functioning Autism
Just because someone is labeled as high functioning doesn't mean they don't need any help. In fact, because they're high functioning, they might not even know that they need help.
Depending on their symptoms as well as their personality and interests, they may need help finding a job, keeping track of finances, remembering personal appointments, or tending to household chores. These are a few of the signs that indicate someone is struggling to cope:
Difficulty making and maintaining relationships
Experiencing emotional meltdowns
Letting dirty clothes pile up or messes accumulate
Neglecting important responsibilities
A Quality Support System is Essential
Someone with high-functioning autism still needs a support network. This support system could be another autistic individual, a loved one, a caregiver, or a mental health professional. We're here to help you better manage your autism. Reach out today to set up an initial consultation to learn more about how depression or anxiety therapy can benefit you.