Identifying The Symptoms Of High Functioning Autism
Individuals with high functioning autism are often of above average intelligence. The areas where they experience problems are in socializing and communicating. There is a possibility that serious issues only arise once they are in a school situation. Symptoms may not really be noticed before this.
The fact that these individuals are intelligent means that they may able to cope with school work but when it comes to social interaction, a different picture emerges. They want to relate to other children but lack the skills to do so. They will try to relate but in abnormal or inappropriate ways.
They do not recognize verbal or non verbal cues or understand social norms. For example, they may either stare or not make eye contact at all. They may have no idea that they are invading the personal space of the other person as they are unable to read facial expressions and body language. They do not understand the give-and-take of conversation.
Their activities, interests and behavior often show repetitive patterns. They often become obsessed with a specific item or subject. Certain routines and rituals are followed and they tend to make repetitive motions like rocking. When speaking, a certain phrase may be repeated over and over.
Their speech may be quite flat, lacking in tone or pitch. Sometimes they may not speak or they may repeat a certain phrase. They may also lack co-ordination, have unusual facial expressions and be quite clumsy. They may have strong reactions to stimuli that others are hardly aware of such as smells, sounds, textures or flashing lights.
They show a lack of awareness or empathy for the emotions of others. They find forming and sustaining relationships very difficult and often end up on their own and depressed. This affects not only the individual but the whole family.
If your child has a severe lack of social skills autism or a form of it has to be considered as a possibility. Having a diagnosis is important for understanding the problem and treating it. Without this, the child battles along in the dark without the necessary support.
It is essential that an expert be consulted for a diagnosis. Appropriate tests are done, an extensive medical history is taken and behavior is closely observed for a diagnosis is made. Any other conditions which could cause similar issues are eliminated first.
A child with high functioning autism may be intelligent but finds relationships incredibly challenging. In order to get the best chance of a relatively normal life, various therapies and medications can make a difference. The whole family involved in the situation will benefit from gaining more understanding about the condition.
The fact that these individuals are intelligent means that they may able to cope with school work but when it comes to social interaction, a different picture emerges. They want to relate to other children but lack the skills to do so. They will try to relate but in abnormal or inappropriate ways.
They do not recognize verbal or non verbal cues or understand social norms. For example, they may either stare or not make eye contact at all. They may have no idea that they are invading the personal space of the other person as they are unable to read facial expressions and body language. They do not understand the give-and-take of conversation.
Their activities, interests and behavior often show repetitive patterns. They often become obsessed with a specific item or subject. Certain routines and rituals are followed and they tend to make repetitive motions like rocking. When speaking, a certain phrase may be repeated over and over.
Their speech may be quite flat, lacking in tone or pitch. Sometimes they may not speak or they may repeat a certain phrase. They may also lack co-ordination, have unusual facial expressions and be quite clumsy. They may have strong reactions to stimuli that others are hardly aware of such as smells, sounds, textures or flashing lights.
They show a lack of awareness or empathy for the emotions of others. They find forming and sustaining relationships very difficult and often end up on their own and depressed. This affects not only the individual but the whole family.
If your child has a severe lack of social skills autism or a form of it has to be considered as a possibility. Having a diagnosis is important for understanding the problem and treating it. Without this, the child battles along in the dark without the necessary support.
It is essential that an expert be consulted for a diagnosis. Appropriate tests are done, an extensive medical history is taken and behavior is closely observed for a diagnosis is made. Any other conditions which could cause similar issues are eliminated first.
A child with high functioning autism may be intelligent but finds relationships incredibly challenging. In order to get the best chance of a relatively normal life, various therapies and medications can make a difference. The whole family involved in the situation will benefit from gaining more understanding about the condition.
About the Author:
Learn about the characteristics of high functioning autism when you visit us online. One characteristic includes Aspergers social skills that are more problematic since the individual is so smart.