Strengths and Weaknesses of High Functioning Autism
Many children have unique sets of strengths and weaknesses, same as kids with high functioning autism. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) poses unique challenges for children in building meaningful relationships and routines. However, it is not the same for every child on the spectrum.
The same is true in children with high functioning autism (HFA), a condition wherein they exhibit no intellectual disability (some even have high mental intellect), but may exhibit deficits in communication, emotion recognition and expression, and social interaction. Many also exhibit talents in specific fields.
This blog will shed light on the strengths and weaknesses of high functioning autism individuals and how therapy can help them cope.
Weaknesses or Challenges of children with HFA
There are three levels within ASD, and those considered high functioning would fall in the level one category, wherein they are more independent and have milder symptoms.
According to the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost half of people with ASD function in the average or above average intellectual ability. Individuals with high functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome fall into this category.
Nevertheless, even though they perform better than others with autism, they still face challenges interacting with others. The following are some of their weaknesses.
Strained social interactions
It is common for people with HFA to have difficulty interacting with their peers. Often, they are deemed socially awkward and have a problem making friends. Also, it is often challenging for them to understand nonverbal communication, puns, and other subtle forms of humour.
Among the symptoms of social deficits are the lack of reciprocal conversations, discomfort with eye contact, and non-verbal communication difficulties. Due to this, they struggle managing group assignments and tend to focus more on themselves than others.
Routines, restrictive and repetitive habits
Autistic individuals prefer predictability, routines, and patterns, making sudden changes difficult. It bothers them greatly when unexpected changes occur, and they become very upset about it.
For instance, HFA individuals may stick with routines developed for them by other people or themselves. These routines could look like wearing the same outfit every day, brushing one’s teeth for precisely three minutes, using the same bag, or eating the same meal each day.
Generally, dislike of change is a common symptom among children on the spectrum, including those with HFA. These routines help avert change from happening, hence, helping reduce anxiety and stress.
Sensory sensitivity
HFA individuals may have milder symptoms than others with autism but also share similar signs and symptoms. For example, they also experience sensory sensitivities, making them intolerant of specific tastes, noises, smells, and textures.
When they are in noisy public places, they may experience emotional distress. Likewise, they feel stressed when wearing uncomfortable clothing or coming into contact with unpleasant textures. However, those with HFA can learn to regulate their behaviour with the help of therapy.
Restricted interests
People with HFA may become focused, fixated, and even obsessed with specific topics or subjects. However, there may be recurring topics they talk about, such as cars, dinosaurs, animals, or sports.
Strengths of children with HFA
Recognising some aspects of your child’s strengths or skills is possible despite their challenges with autism. Additionally, children with high functioning autism have identifiable strengths.
Strong ability to concentrate
When a child with HFA is fixated on a specific interest, they devote long periods to learning about them. Therefore, they can focus to the point where their knowledge can be channelled into careers they enjoy and benefit others.
Furthermore, children with HFA can develop their maths, computer, musical, and artistic skills as long as they are interested in these activities. As a result of deep study of their favourite subjects, they are detail-oriented and possess extensive knowledge.
Long-term memory skills and higher intelligence
Spatial working memory in autistic children does not work properly like in others since the brain’s frontal cortex is known to be impaired in autism. Even so, children with HFA showed good verbal working memory, associative learning ability, and recognition memory.
Autistic people are highly polarised, with average to above-average intelligence compared to the general public. In fact, a 2016 study suggests that autism, particularly HFA, is a disorder of high intelligence. Autistic children and high IQ individuals share various similarities, such as large brain size, rapid brain growth, remarkable sensory ability, and enhanced attentional focus.
Moreover, some people with autism may learn to read very early, which is known as hyperlexia. As a result, they can decode written language even before they understand it.
Loyalty, reliability and honesty
High functioning autistic individuals tend to be particularly honest, loyal, and reliable — some of the most valuable traits for a long-term relationship. While they may not be able to socialise with others, make friends, or build relationships, they are more than capable of loving and having romantic relationships.
Dependable with schedules and adherence to rules
People with HFA are focused on routines and schedules, as these create order in their life. They will learn when to expect things and how to react. As a result, predictability can enable your child to thrive. However, these schedules can also be their strength as they are dependable in sticking to a plan, which motivates others to follow suit.
Aside from this, they are particular in adhering to rules and regulations. Those on the spectrum can find therapeutic comfort if rules are followed and observed, which ensures certainty and order.
ABA Therapy can help
It may sound like children with high functioning autism don’t need as much help to function well in society. On the contrary, they also have their weaknesses that can take a toll on their psychological and mental health. It’s a good thing there are options and support mechanisms that are available to parents and caregivers of children in the spectrum.
Applied behavioural analysis (ABA) therapy is a type of interpersonal therapy that helps improve social, communication, and learning skills through reinforcement. In ABA therapy, helpful behaviours are reinforced while destructive or unhelpful ones are decreased. ABA therapy also helps those with HFA gain the skills and strategies to manage their symptoms.
If your child has been diagnosed with HFA, finding a qualified ABA therapist is among your priorities, as they can help unlock your child’s true potential. At AutismSTEP, we offer ABA therapy that is evidence-based and customised to accommodate the challenges that children on the spectrum face.
We also offer home-based therapy to help your children maximise their strengths by refining behavioural, social, and verbal skills.
To help you make an informed decision on the type of therapy your child needs, please schedule a consultation with us today, or call +65 6456 9950.
