High-functioning autism: Should that term be used?

High-functioning autism is a label that should be used with care. High-functioning autism is generally the diagnosis given to an individual with autism who has an IQ score of 80 or higher. This term is often used incorrectly because IQ can be more difficult to test with a standard measurement test in autistic cases. Accuracy in determining levels of autism can help immensely in therapy or treatments offered.

High-functioning autism is a term that was used in the early years of autism diagnoses. It generally meant an individual was capable of more normal functions and behaviors, such as speaking and carrying out day-to-day activities with no problems. The term became overused and misused when doctors starting giving this diagnosis to “normal” and “problem” children who were exhibiting problematic behaviors. Misdiagnosing or mislabeling these children led to persons who actually did have autism getting less attention and perhaps not having treatments or therapies studied as thoroughly or objectively as they should have been, while the children misdiagnosed weren't receiving what would help them the most.

Individuals diagnosed with high-functioning autism are not considered to be mentally retarded. Their IQs, as stated above, are average or higher. Their vocabulary may be just as broad as a normal person’s, but yet their speech may be slower and show less emotion. They may not understand humor or jokes in a conversation. They may not take hints as to shift the flow of conversation in another direction if their listeners seem to become bored.

People having high-functioning autism still possess many of the classic autistic traits, such as preferring strict and set routines, avoiding eye contact and feeling ill at ease in social situations.

High-functioning autism (HFA) oftentimes throws the individual into normal circumstances, which sometimes can be more harmful than beneficial. Some people, especially peers in a school setting, can label those with HFA as “weird” because they don’t understand some of their habits. This can lead to low self-esteem and make it more difficult to get along with others.

Persons with HFA need the support from a group of peers their age who also have autism. Support groups can help establish self-esteem and self-confidence and enable them to associate with others who may share some of the same traits.

Since high-functioning autism signals a greater-than-average intelligence, the best thing a person with HFA can do is to seek out others of the same intelligence level, perhaps in a recreational or hobby club or group.

Some advantages of having high-functioning autism, as opposed to low-functioning autism, is the ability to focus attention on a subject for a longer period of time, thereby standing a better chance of reasoning out a complex problem. Most of the time, HFA individuals tend to be honest and hard working with excellent problem-solving skills when they are centered on something of interest. They can be outstanding students because they can be passionate and organized in their study habits if the subject is one that appeals to them. In an environment where they feel secure and supported, HFA individuals can get along with others and socially interact with few dilemmas.