High-functioning autism facts for kids
High-functioning autism (HFA) is a term sometimes used to describe autistic people who have strong language skills and average or above-average intelligence. It's not an official medical diagnosis, but it helps describe how some autistic people experience the world.
People who are called "high-functioning" might find it easier to communicate verbally and learn academic subjects compared to some other autistic people. However, they can still face challenges with social interactions, understanding emotions, and dealing with changes in routines.
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Understanding High-Functioning Autism
High-functioning autism is part of the wider Autism spectrum. This means that autism affects everyone differently. Think of it like a rainbow, with many different shades and colors. Some people might be on one end of the spectrum, and others on another.
What Does "High-Functioning" Mean?
The term "high-functioning" often refers to a person's ability to speak clearly and perform well on intelligence tests. It doesn't mean they don't have challenges. They might still struggle with:
- Social skills: Understanding unwritten social rules, making friends, or knowing what others are thinking or feeling.
- Sensory sensitivities: Being very sensitive to sounds, lights, textures, or smells.
- Repetitive behaviors: Doing the same actions or movements over and over.
- Strong interests: Having very focused and intense interests in specific topics.
HFA and Asperger Syndrome
You might hear the term Asperger syndrome mentioned alongside high-functioning autism. For a long time, Asperger syndrome was a separate diagnosis. Now, both are considered part of the broader Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) diagnosis. Many people who would have been diagnosed with Asperger syndrome in the past are now diagnosed with ASD.
How People with HFA Experience the World
People with high-functioning autism often have unique strengths and ways of thinking. They might be very good at:
- Focusing deeply on topics they love.
- Noticing small details that others miss.
- Being very honest and direct.
- Having excellent memories for facts and figures.
However, they might also find some things difficult:
- Understanding emotions: Sometimes, people with HFA might find it hard to recognize their own feelings or the feelings of others. This is sometimes called alexithymia.
- Changes in routine: Unexpected changes can be very upsetting.
- Social cues: Understanding body language, sarcasm, or jokes can be tricky.
Support and Learning
Learning about autism helps everyone understand and support autistic people better. For young people with high-functioning autism, support can include:
- Social skills training: Learning how to interact with others in different situations.
- Therapy: Such as Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage anxiety or other challenges.
- Educational support: Getting help in school to make sure they can learn in a way that suits them best.
- Understanding and acceptance: The most important thing is for everyone to understand that being autistic is just a different way of being, not something to be fixed.
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