What is High-Functioning Autism and What are the Seven Types of Autism Spectrum Disorders?

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental condition that involves persistent challenges in social interaction, speech and nonverbal communication, and restricted/repetitive behaviors. The effects of ASD and the severity of symptoms are different in each person. High-functioning autism refers to individuals on the autism spectrum who can read, write, speak, and manage life skills without much assistance but may struggle with social interactions and communication.

What is High-Functioning Autism?

High-functioning autism isn’t a medical term but is commonly used to describe individuals with autism who have average or above-average intelligence. These individuals do not have an intellectual disability, but they face challenges in areas of emotional regulation, flexibility, and social functioning.

Characteristics of High-Functioning Autism

• Cognitive Abilities: Generally have average or higher IQ scores.
• Language Skills: Typically have strong vocabulary and grammar skills but may struggle with understanding sarcasm, humor, or nuances.
• Social Interaction: Often find it difficult to make eye contact, recognize social cues, or maintain friendships.
• Focused Interests: Many have intense interests in specific subjects or hobbies.

The Spectrum of Autism: Understanding the Varieties

Autism is referred to as a spectrum because of the wide range of symptoms and severity. Historically, there have been several different types of diagnosis under the umbrella of autism, including Asperger’s syndrome, which is closely aligned with what is now often referred to as high-functioning autism. Here’s a breakdown of different types historically associated with the autism spectrum:

1. Autistic Disorder: Often called classic autism, this is what most people think of when they hear the word “autism”. It involves significant language delays, social and communication challenges, and unusual behaviors and interests. Many with this type might also have intellectual disability.
2. Asperger’s Syndrome: Typically, individuals have milder symptoms of autistic disorder. They might have strong language skills but struggle with social skills. They often have normal to above-average intelligence.
3. Pervasive Developmental Disorder – Not Otherwise Specified (PDD-NOS): This subtype is used for individuals who meet some, but not all, of the criteria for autistic disorder or Asperger’s syndrome.
4. Childhood Disintegrative Disorder (CDD): In this rare condition, children develop normally for at least two years and then lose multiple areas of function, including social skills and language.
5. Rett Syndrome: Primarily affecting girls, Rett syndrome is characterized by normal early growth and development followed by a slowing of development, loss of purposeful use of the hands, distinctive hand movements, slowed brain and head growth, problems with walking, seizures, and intellectual disability.
6. Kanner’s Syndrome: Sometimes considered a more severe form of autism, this encompasses significant challenges in social interactions, communication, and behavior.

Management and Support Strategies

Educational and Behavioral Interventions

• Structured Teaching: Emphasizes the use of visually-based cues to improve organization and comprehension.
• Speech Therapy: Focuses on improving communication skills, both verbal and nonverbal.
• Occupational Therapy: Helps with mastering life skills and sensory integration.
• Social Skills Training: Designed to boost interaction skills and emotional understanding.

Family Support

• Parent Training: Teaches parents how to interact and teach their children using therapy techniques.
• Family Therapy: Helps family members understand the condition and adapt to the psychological demands of living with someone with ASD.

Ayurvedic Perspective on Autism

Autism has close resemblances to the features of Unmada, as described in Ayurveda. The condition may be linked to disarrangements of channels that affect the mind, often due to a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Ayurvedic management of autism focuses on Unmada Chikitsa, a multidimensional approach involving herbal medication, purification therapies, and personalized diets. Ayurvedic treatment in Kerala is well-regarded for its holistic methods, incorporating therapies like bio-purification, speech therapy, and yoga to help manage the condition. This approach, tailored to the individual, can bring significant improvements in the daily life of an autistic child.