The Challenges of Living With High-Functioning Autism

Autism is a spectrum disorder. This means people with autism have a wide range of needs and abilities. While those with high-functioning autism may not need as much support as others with autism, they may still struggle with day-to-day activities.

Symptoms of high-functioning autism (HFA) in adults and children that can be challenging to deal with include:

• Experiencing sensory overload
• Not understanding social cues
• Anxiety or mood disorders
• Poor organization
• Difficulty controlling emotions
• Problems with verbal communication

This article discusses the common challenges of living with high-functioning autism.

What Is High-Functioning Autism?

High-functioning autism is an unofficial term used for people whose autism symptoms appear mild. The official diagnostic term is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) level 1.

In the past, people who fit the description of HFA would likely have been diagnosed with Asperger's syndrome. Asperger's was removed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders in 2013 when the fifth edition (DSM-5) was published.

Since then, the severity of autism spectrum disorder is described by a level from 1 to 3, based on how much support a person needs:

• Level 1 requires some support
• Level 2 requires substantial support
• Level 3 requires very substantial support

Educators and professionals should be made aware of the invisible challenges of HFA. These include sensory issues, emotional regulation, social skills, executive functioning, verbal communication, and mood disorders.

Children with high-functioning autism grow into adults with high-functioning autism. While many adults with ASD-1 are able to be successful and independent adults, most will require some form of ongoing support.

Sensory Issues

Many people with autism experience sensory processing disorder. This is more commonly known as sensory overload. 

Noise, crowds, bright lights, strong tastes, smells, and being touched can feel unbearable to someone with HFA.

This makes going to restaurants, movies, and shopping malls difficult. Even a simple hug or putting on socks can be challenging for someone with sensory processing problems.

Some people with autism can learn to better tolerate sensory challenges with strategies and sensory occupational therapy. However, sensory issues are not something a person outgrows. An autistic child with sensory processing disorder will grow to be an adult with sensory processing disorder.

Social Awkwardness

People with HFA can have a hard time recognizing social cues and body language.

Common problems people with HFA can have when interacting with other people include:

• Understanding appropriate greetings
• Knowing when to let someone else talk
• Regulating the tone and volume of their voice

Social awkwardness can be a significant obstacle to making friends, finding work, and dating for some people with HFA.

Anxiety and Depression

Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders often go hand in hand with HFA. People with HFA are more likely to be diagnosed with a mood disorder than the general population. 

Exactly why, however, is unclear. It could be that autism causes mood disorders. But it could also be due to the social rejection that often comes with being autistic. Whatever their causes, mood disorders can be disabling in themselves.

Executive Planning Problems

Executive functioning is a term for the skills people use to organize and plan their lives. This includes things like making and sticking to schedules or following a timeline to complete a long-term project.

Most people with HFA have difficulties with executive functioning. This can make it hard to manage a household or cope with minor schedule changes at school or work.

Emotional Dysregulation

People with autism can experience extreme emotions. They may seem to overreact to certain situations or under-react in others.

When something unpredictable occurs, it can be hard for an autistic person to keep their emotions in check. The transition from one setting or activity to the next can be particularly challenging.

Someone with HFA, for example, may burst into tears if there's an unexpected change in plans or become agitated if their routine is thrown off.

Difficulty With Verbal Communication

A child with HFA will typically have no problems understanding language. Learning individual words, grammar rules, and vocabulary may not be an issue for them.

The use of language to communicate, however, can be problematic. Someone with HFA may have difficulty understanding sarcasm, metaphors, or idioms. This is known as "pragmatic" language.

In addition, some people with HFA may struggle to speak when under stress or overwhelmed.

Summary

People with ASD level 1 are often referred to as having high-functioning autism. This label can be misleading because people with level 1 ASD can experience significant challenges and require support.

Common struggles among people with HFA include:

• Anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders
• Communication challenges
• Difficulties with emotional regulation
• Executive functioning problems
• Sensory processing issues
• Social awkwardness

A Word From Verywell

High-functioning autism can be challenging for people with autism and those in their lives.

Therapies such as speech-language therapy and social skills training can help people with HFA function more easily and effectively in daily life.