High Function Autism Spectrum Disorder

Relationship Between Gmv Values And Autistic Symptoms

In the HFASD group, there were significantly negative correlations between the GMV value in the left fusiform and the scores of Sensory factor , and positive correlations between the GMV values in the right CAL and the Social self-help factor . The ABC total score, Relating, Body concept, and Language showed no significant correlations with the GMV values within the regions that showed significant group differences. The results of above correlation analysis of the adolescents with HFASD are summarized in Table 3.

Development Of Repetitive Or Restrictive Habits

Repetitive habits may also be symptoms of high-functioning autism in adults. Those habits could interfere with the persons ability to do what they need to do or what others want them to do. One type of repetitive habit might be related to movement. The individual might have to tie and untie their shoes multiple times before they are satisfied and are able to start walking or leave the house.

Some high functioning autistic people also develop restrictive habits that interfere with socially accepted living. For example, an individual might refuse to wear any other kind of shirt than a tee shirt. This could impact their health and well-being if they live in a place with cold weather.

Research Into Positive Traits

Possible positive traits of ADHD are a new avenue of research, and therefore limited. Studies are being done on whether ADHD symptoms could potentially be beneficial.

A 2020 review found that creativity may be associated with ADHD symptoms, particularly and quantity of creative achievements, but not with the disorder of ADHD itself â i.e. it has not been found to be increased in patients diagnosed with the disorder, only in patients with subclinical symptoms or those that possess traits associated with the disorder. Divergent thinking is the ability to produce creative solutions which differ significantly from each other and consider the issue from multiple perspectives. Those with ADHD symptoms could be advantaged in this form of creativity as they tend to have diffuse attention, allowing rapid switching between aspects of the task under consideration flexible , allowing them to remember and use more distantly-related ideas which is associated with creativity and impulsivity, which causes people with ADHD symptoms to consider ideas which others may not have. However, people with ADHD may struggle with , which is a cognitive process through which a set of obviously relevant knowledge is utilized in a focused effort to arrive at a single perceived best solution to a problem.

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Treatment Of Mental Disorders

Two large studies done by the Faculty of Health Sciences at Simon Fraser Universityindicates that both behaviour therapy and cognitive-behavioural therapy are equally effective for OCD. CBT has been shown to perform slightly better at treating co-occurring depression.

Considerable policy implications have been inspired by behavioural views of various forms of psychopathology. One form of behaviour therapy has been found to be highly effective for treating tics.

There has been a development towards combining techniques to treat psychiatric disorders. Cognitive interventions are used to enhance the effects of more established behavioural interventions based on operant and classical conditioning. An increased effort has also been placed to address the interpersonal context of behaviour.

Modelling has been used in dealing with fears and phobias. Modelling has been used in the treatment of fear of snakes as well as a fear of water.

Aversive therapy techniques have been used to treat sexual deviations as well as alcohol use disorder.

Contingency contracting has been used to deal with behaviour problems in delinquents and when dealing with on task behaviours in students.

Peer Support For Autistic Individuals

Peer support and advocacy are key for autistic individuals. Those looking to connect with organizations run by and for autistic people can refer to the Autistic Women & Nonbinary Network and the Asperger/Autism Network.

These organizations include information about getting diagnosed, treatment options, advocacy, and social support for autistic people and their loved ones.

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Some People Use Other Names For Autism

There are other names for autism used by some people, such as:

• autism spectrum disorder the medical name for autism
• autism spectrum condition used instead of ASD by some people
• Aspergers used by some people to describe autistic people with average or above average intelligence

Unlike some people with autism, people with Aspergers do not have a learning disability.

Some people call this high-functioning autism.

Doctors do not diagnose people with Aspergers anymore.

But if you were diagnosed with it before, this will stay as your diagnosis.

Fixation On Particular Subjects Or Ideas

Continually discussing the same topics in conversation, obsessively playing the same song repeatedly, or reading every article written about a certain topic are signs of high-functioning autism in adults and adolescents. These interests can be negative if they take over the individuals life or interfere with their relationships with others.

Of course, these obsessive tendencies can also be helpful Dan Aykroyd, writer and star in the hit film Ghostbusters, was inspired by his focus on ghosts and the paranormal. Many other high-functioning autistic individuals have used their focus on mathematics, biology, or writing to inspire successful careers.

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Your Autism Is What Makes You Unique

First, an ASD diagnosis in no way changes who you are. It does not make you any less amazing than you were before. Your neurodiversity is just one characteristic of yourself that sets you apart from everyone else. Its what makes you UNIQUE. Unfortunately, many neurodiverse individuals experience a variety of different microaggressions or traumas throughout their life. They are often bullied or taken advantage of. Often, their sensitivities or challenges are dismissed. This makes them feel very othered and different. Perhaps, you longed to fit in so you tried to hide these parts of yourself and conform to the world around you. So, you may have felt shame over not quite fitting in with your peers.

Having Very Focused Specific Interests

Struggling with ER doesnt mean you cant enjoy life, though. In fact, if you have autism, you often develop intense interests in particular topics.

For example, when you develop an interest in an area of high, you need to know everything about that topic. Or you may spend a lot of time listening to the same song or watching your favorite movie on repeat.

This can be fine in small doses, and it can also help you excel in areas that you really care about. However, it is important to keep this balance between having enough energy to focus on daily tasks.

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Hfa And Level 1 Autism

Autism spectrum disorder is a single diagnosis that encompasses many people who are very different from one another. So, to clarify these differences, the DSM-5 also includes functional levels. People who are bright and verbal are generally given the diagnosis of Level 1 ASD.

Still, the distinction doesnt offer a clear characterization of what Level 1 ASD actually is. For example:

• People with Level 1 ASD can show affection, complete daily tasks, and use age-appropriate language, reading, and math skills. On the other hand, they may not be able to hold eye contact, maintain a conversation, engage in play, or pick up on social cues.
• People with Level 1 ASD can have significant speech and language delays but may be able to take part in an inclusive academic program because of their age-appropriate academic skills.
• People with Level 1 ASD can have relatively mild speech and social delays but may have severe sensory issues which make it impossible for them to take part in an inclusive academic program.
• People with Level 1 ASD can have severe anxiety, learning disabilities, and sensory challenges but still have age-appropriate speech and exceptional abilities in music, math, and engineering.

With a Level 1 ASD diagnosis, the possible combinations of strengths and challenges are almost endless. This not only makes the characterization of behaviors difficult but also can leave you confused as to what level of skilled support is needed.

Autism Is Not An Illness

Being autistic does not mean you have an illness or disease. It means your brain works in a different way from other people.

Its something youre born with or first appears when youre very young.

If youre autistic, youre autistic your whole life.

Autism is not a medical condition with treatments or a cure. But some people need support to help them with certain things.

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What Should I Do If My Child Has Delayed Milestones

Talk to your child specialist about your concerns. While it is normal for every child to achieve milestones at their own pace, you must always be on the lookout for red flags. If the child does not smile, coo, speak, react to your affections by hugging back, or have eye contact, you must consult your doctor.

You must specifically monitor your childs growth and development if

• You were on medications like Thalidomide, Valproic acid, or antipsychotic medicines during your pregnancy.
• You or your spouse was in your late 30s when you conceived .
• You have a family member with autism.
• You suffered from viral infections during your pregnancy.
• Your baby had a low birth weight.

Always remember:

Wait and watch policy will not help a child with an autistic spectrum disorder. In fact, from 1 to 2 years of age, the brain is still developing. If the therapy is started at this point, most symptoms of autism can be worked upon. Though, currently, autism is not curable, early intervention during the preschool years can help the child manage the behavioral issues and teach them to cope better in social situations. Behavioral therapy involves teaching parents to reach out to their children. Children suffering from hyperactivity, convulsions, and sleep problems also need early medical management.

Related Signs And Symptoms Of Autism Spectrum Disorder

While not part of autisms official diagnostic criteria, children with autism spectrum disorders often suffer from one or more of the following problems:

Sensory problems Many children with autism spectrum disorders either underreact or overreact to sensory stimuli. At times they may ignore people speaking to them, even to the point of appearing deaf. However, at other times they may be disturbed by even the softest sounds. Sudden noises such as a ringing telephone can be upsetting, and they may respond by covering their ears and making repetitive noises to drown out the offending sound. Children on the autism spectrum also tend to be highly sensitive to touch and to texture. They may cringe at a pat on the back or the feel of certain fabric against their skin.

Emotional difficulties Children with autism spectrum disorders may have difficulty regulating their emotions or expressing them appropriately. For instance, your child may start to yell, cry, or laugh hysterically for no apparent reason. When stressed, they may exhibit disruptive or even aggressive behavior . The National Dissemination Center for Children with Disabilities also notes that kids with ASD may be unfazed by real dangers like moving vehicles or heights, yet be terrified of harmless objects such as a stuffed animal.

Savant skills in autism spectrum disorder

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Assessment Of Autistic Symptoms

The ABC is a checklist of non-adaptive behaviors47 that consists of 57 items in 5 areas of categories, including problems related to Sensory , Relating , Body concept , Language and Social self-help .48 ABC items were rated as yes or no for each question during the assessment. ABC was well-established instruments for the screening and diagnosis of childhood autism.49 It has been widely used in clinical and scientific research, now being one of the most mature rating scales for domestic use.50

Tips For Teaching High

Susan Moreno and Carol O’Neal

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Tips And Reminders For Autism

Autism is a spectrum of at least eight dimensions, not a linear dimension from low to high functioning.

Autism on its own is a difference, not a disability.

Most autistic people prefer autism first language, or the term neurodiverse.

Approach an autistic person with respect for who they are and how they are in the World. Different is valid, diversity is needed.

The best two interventions for autism are knowledge and attitude.

What Are The Dsm

In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association released the fifth edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders .

The DSM-5 is now the standard reference that healthcare providers use to diagnose mental and behavioral conditions, including autism.

By special permission of the American Psychiatric Association, you can read the full-text of the new diagnostic criteria for autism spectrum disorder and the related diagnosis of social communication disorder below.

Also see: Answers to frequently asked questions about DSM-5 criteria for autism

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Signs And Symptoms Of High Functioning Autism

1. Repetitiveness

HFA is partly characterized by anobsession with a particular subject or activity. If you have noticed your child cannot get enough of a particular subject, it could be more than just a normal childhood love for dinosaurs or dogs.

The obsession can be positive in that it improves your childs understanding of a particular academic subject or art. The increased interest in a specific field and subsequent excellence in the area has led to many scientific and mathematical inventions. Additionally, it can be a means of finding similarly minded children to encourage social engagement and activities.

However, these obsessions can cause a negative impact as well. If the obsession is interfering with social interactions or quality of life, support services can help them use their ability to hyperfocus in more effective ways.

2. Emotional sensitivity

Individuals living with High Functioning Autism are also prone to high levels of emotional sensitivity. Slight provocations such as your use of language, noise, or even competition from siblings can ruin the whole day.

Insufficient autism awareness coupled with the fact that High Functioning Autism is challenging to detect can make many children suffer extreme emotional sensitivity. This can also lead to intense sorrow and isolation after a trauma.

If your child is easily angered by small things and unable to let it go, it may be time to see a doctor.

3. Social problems

What Does It Mean To Have High

It isnt true that high-functioning autism is an officially accepted diagnosis.In their everyday lives, they are often very reliant on their mental skills and often need quite a bit of assistance.Learning to interact socially as well as speaking requires being able to develop an unusually wide set of abilities.

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Who Is This Childhood Asperger Syndrome Quiz For

Below is a list of questions that relate to life experiences common among children with Asperger syndrome , a less severe form of autism spectrum disorder . Children or teenagers with Aspergers have difficulties relating to others socially and understanding social situations and subtle forms of communication like body language. This quiz is designed to be taken by parents who are concerned that their child might have Aspergers.

Please read each question carefully, and indicate how often your child has experienced the same or similar challenges in the past few months. Please be aware that some behaviors are developmentally appropriate for young children and not signs of autism.