What is high functioning autism?

Autism Spectrum Disorder. ... Starting in the 1990s, milder forms were recognized, including high-functioning autism and Asperger's syndrome, which share many of the same symptoms. Then in 2013, the American Psychiatric Association grouped the autism-related disorders into one term: autism spectrum disorder, or ASD. read more

Autism Spectrum Disorder. For a long time, however, only people with very severe symptoms were diagnosed with autism. Starting in the 1990s, milder forms were recognized, including high-functioning autism and Asperger’s syndrome, which share many of the same symptoms. read more

With the DSM-5, instead of separate diagnoses, there is just one big group of people diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder. But people with autism are still very different from one another. So, to clarify these differences, the DSM-5 also includes functional levels. read more

After the diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder, it is important to explain and understand both similarities and differences between disorders on the spectrum. Asperger Syndrome and high functioning autism (HFA) are often referred to as the same diagnosis. read more