Untrained eyes may most likely mistake high-functioning autism (HFA) for Asperger’s syndrome (AS), because of their very subtle differences. So it becomes very easy to get confused by the distinctions between high-functioning autism and. Asperger’s, which is equally different from Down syndrome. These conditions share so many similarities that one may find it challenging to tell them apart. But, you no longer have to wallow in your confusion as this article explains the differences between high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome for the average person.
What Is Asperger’s Syndrome?
Asperger’s syndrome is a kind of autism condition characterized by difficulties with social interaction. Repetitive behaviors such as hand flapping are also common, and children may experience motor developmental delays. Originally, people considered Asperger syndrome as a “mild” or “high-functioning” type of autism.
This indicates that people with Asperger’s syndrome exhibited autistic behaviors that were typically deemed minimally different from those of neurotypical people.
What Is Autism Spectrum Disorder?
Autism is a tremendously complex condition, and as such, it is sometimes referred to as a “spectrum” disorder, as it comprises many distinct types of disability, all of which affect different people differently. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental syndrome that leads to non-typical social skills, behavior, and sensory sensitivity in people. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) includes five criteria for autism diagnosis. They include:
- Difficulties in social situations
- Behaviors, hobbies, or activities that are repetitive or fixated
High-Functioning Autism vs. Asperger’s Syndrome: What Are the Differences?
So many people wonder if there really is any difference between high-functioning autism vs. Asperger’s syndrome. Well, for starters autism is a spectrum disorder. This simply means that there is no such thing as a ‘one-size-fits-all’ diagnostic. Everyone with autism has their own set of symptoms and difficulties. This gave rise to high-functioning autism, which people believe to be persons on level 1 spectrum of ASD
This means that a person on the Level 1 spectrum is typically called “high functioning.” If a person does not have an intellectual handicap, they sometimes label them as “high-functioning.” However, evidence reveals that IQ and daily living behaviors are only weakly associated.
Three Levels of ASD
Level 1: Here, people may have symptoms that do not interfere with their career, school, or relationships. When most people use the term high-functioning autism, they are referring to this.
Level 2: These people require some external assistance daily. Speech therapy and social skills training are two examples of assistance needed
Level 3: These individuals require significant outside assistance daily. Support may include full-time assistance or extensive counseling in some circumstances.
Factors that contribute to labeling an autistic person as “high-functioning” or level 1 include their ability to retain a job, create and sustain relationships, communicate, and disguise their autistic features. While determining a person’s ASD level is difficult, experienced psychologists have tools that can assist them, such as the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2). This assessment is usually combined with a detailed developmental history.
In essence, the better someone can integrate into a neurotypical society, the more functional they are.
High-Functioning Autism vs, Asperger’s Syndrome: How Do They Differ?
The primary difference between the two conditions is generally found in the area of language development (notably, those with Asperger’s syndrome usually do not experience delayed language development while young). However, some researchers insist that the differences extend beyond this single area, and thus it has been the subject of considerable debate and controversy over the decades.
According to several research, to understand the major differences between high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome, you should look out for these four things:
Age of Onset
Many children are classified with high-functioning autism when they are young, and the diagnosis is later modified to Asperger’s when the kid enters school and deficiencies in his or her social skills become more apparent. This generally means that Aspergers is a later diagnosis.
Language Development
For an Asperger’s syndrome diagnosis, spoken language development must be normal. Children with high-functioning autism, on the other hand, frequently exhibit severe language difficulty.
Cognitive Functioning Level
Asperger’s syndrome exists without causing major deficits in cognitive function. This means that the patient has no other learning disabilities and an IQ of average or higher, whereas high-functioning autism can occur in someone with an IQ of 65-70.
Motor Abilities
Asperger’s syndrome is assumed to invariably present with fine motor control difficulties; this significantly overlaps with other kinds of autism.
Despite these seemingly clear-cut differences between high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome, they are nevertheless fraught with controversy, with many people feeling that there is either no difference or that the differences are yet to be known.
high-functioning autism vs Asperger’s Syndrome: Management
There is a continuing disagreement between those who perceive autism as a disability that requires medical treatment (the “medical model”) and those who see autism “treatment” as gaining disability rights such as fair employment practices and healthcare coverage. This means that some people believe that neither Asperger’s nor autism is a medical illness that needs to be “treated.”
Regardless of one’s point of view, people with autism and Asperger’s syndrome must recognize that they are not less important or loved than anyone else. And these are the methods they can use to manage their conditions.
Support
Peer support and advocacy are essential for autistic people. Finding supportive networks — whether online or in-person — to interact with other autistic people can feel affirming and provide you with a space to connect with others who share your experiences.
Food and Nutrition
Some doctors feel there is a link between autism and food. As a result, many autistic persons avoid gluten and casein, and they may take supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids or vitamin B12.
Despite this, there hasn’t been much research into diet and Asperger’s syndrome.
Therapy
Music therapy can help some autistic persons feel more connected to others. Music is a nonverbal and peaceful way of bonding with others and communicating with them.
Art therapy, like music therapy, can help people communicate and connect. By delivering aural and physical stimulation, these creative outlets can help minimize sensory overload.
Various sorts of therapy can assist you in dealing with social and behavioral issues that generate anxiety in your daily life. These are some examples:
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist you in managing your emotions and behavioral habits.
Occupational therapy: A type of therapy that focuses on improving social relationships, strengthening self-care skills, and improving motor abilities, as well as sensory integration therapy to assist in lessening sensitivities to noises, lights, sounds, or touch.
History of Asperger’s Syndrome and High-Functioning Autism
When Asperger and colleagues were striving to define the childhood problems they were treating, they came across the notion of autism in their research and believed it was an apt explanation for the numerous symptoms they had been attempting to treat in children. Academics, as well as Asperger himself, noticed that Asperger’s and Kenner’s autism had striking characteristics over time.
The term “Asperger’s syndrome” was initially used to characterize a higher-functioning subset of the autistic patients examined throughout this study. Asperger’s syndrome grew to be perceived as a more “positive” diagnosis, with less social stigma linked to it, sparking some debate about its subsequent predominance.
Can You Have High-Functioning Autism and Asperger’s Syndrome?
There is some debate about the comorbidity of these two conditions. High-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome may co-occur, but given the differences, it appears improbable.
What Are the Signs of High-Functioning Autism
- Difficulty interpreting social cues.
- It’s difficult for you to make friends or interact with others.
- Fixation of specific ideas or issues.
- Intense fascination with objects or themes.
- It can be challenging to learn to talk, establish a vocabulary, or maintain conversations with people.
- Obsessively counting or gazing at stuff
- Repetitive behaviors.
- They may also struggle to identify items and learn how to communicate using sign language.
- They frequently fail to recognize other people’s emotions and sentiments because they are preoccupied with themselves and what they want to accomplish.
- When it comes to daily tasks like eating, sleeping, and dressing, they have very rigorous regimens.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to discern between Asperger’s syndrome and high-functioning autism. It’s much more so because of the issues and arguments around it. Unfortunately, because of their strong functional abilities, these two conditions are frequently neglected. Even though persons with these disorders should be treated with the same respect and dignity as those who do not have them, it is critical to pay attention to the symptoms and take necessary measures to manage them.
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