Introduction

High-functioning autism is a type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that is characterized by milder symptoms and greater cognitive ability than other types of autism.

In order to be diagnosed with high-functioning autism, you must have an IQ higher than 70 and still have some symptoms of ASD.

People with high-functioning autism usually have difficulty with social skills, but they may have average or above average intelligence, which helps them compensate for their challenges.

The exact number of people with high-functioning autism is unknown because it can sometimes be difficult to diagnose those with less severe symptoms. However, it’s estimated that about 1 in 500 people has high-functioning autism.

High-functioning autism is a form of autism that is characterized by average or above average intelligence, relative to the general population. The term was coined by Hans Asperger in 1944, and it has been used in the medical community since the 1980s.

The exact definition of high-functioning autism varies from researcher to researcher, but most agree that a person with this condition needs special educational programs throughout their life. High-functioning autism is sometimes called Asperger’s syndrome. This name comes from Hans Asperger, who first described the condition in 1944. People with this type of autism usually have average or above average intelligence, but they may have trouble communicating with others and understanding social cues. They also may not be able to recognize emotions in others’ faces or body language.

There isn’t much information about what causes high-functioning autism because it has only been recognized as a medical condition for about 20 years. Scientists think that it may be caused by an abnormality in brain development, but they aren’t sure how these abnormalities affect behavior and cognitive function yet.

What is Autism Spectrum Disorder?

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a range of conditions that affects the brain’s ability to process information. The main difficulties associated with ASD are problems with social interaction, communication and language skills. ASD can also affect the way people behave and their interests.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) are a group of developmental disabilities that can cause significant social, communication and behavioral challenges. ASDs include autistic disorder, pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and Asperger syndrome. Some individuals have mild symptoms, while others have more severe symptoms.

The exact cause of autism is unknown, but researchers believe it is likely caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors.

People with autism usually have average or above-average intelligence; however, they may face challenges in certain areas of development that could affect their ability to succeed in school or at work. There is no cure for autism but early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes significantly.

Symptoms of High-Functioning Autism

High-functioning autism (HFA) is sometimes called “Asperger syndrome.” People with HFA have normal or above-average intelligence, but they may have trouble with social interaction, communication, and flexibility of thought.

Symptoms of High-Functioning Autism

• Here are some signs that your child may have high-functioning autism:
• Lack of eye contact
• Difficulty understanding gestures and facial expressions
• Difficulty sharing interests or emotions with others
• Unusual body movements, such as hand flapping or twisting
• Difficulty communicating using speech or gestures
• Sensitivity to touch, noise, light or other sensory stimulation

Causes

High-functioning autism is a type of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that affects a person’s ability to communicate, interact with others and show empathy. Although it occurs in the same 1 percent of the population as other types of ASD, high-functioning autism is often misdiagnosed because it has symptoms that are similar to other conditions, such as Asperger’s syndrome and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

As with other forms of autism, there is no known single cause for high-functioning autism. Researchers believe that genetics may play a role in causing the condition; however, the exact cause is unknown. There are several theories about what factors may contribute to developing autism spectrum disorders:

Genetics: Studies have shown that people who have one sibling with ASD are more likely to have another sibling with the disorder than those without siblings with ASD. This suggests that genes may be a factor in developing ASD.

Immune system abnormalities: Some researchers suspect that immune system abnormalities could cause some cases of ASD by affecting brain development during pregnancy or infancy.

The causes of high-functioning autism are not well understood. There is research that suggests genetics may play a role, but no specific genes have been identified. Other factors that may contribute include:

Infections during pregnancy. Infections such as rubella and toxoplasmosis can affect fetal brain development.

Stress during pregnancy. Stressors such as high blood pressure and lack of sleep have also been linked to increased risk of autism, but more research is needed to determine whether this is a direct cause or simply a correlation.

Exposure to toxic substances during pregnancy. Exposure to toxic substances in the environment or prenatal exposure to prescription medications may increase risk for autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Autism Clinical Trials

A clinical trial is a research study. Clinical trials look at new ways to prevent, detect, or treat disease. This research can help people who are diagnosed with a disease learn more about the benefits and risks of treatment options.

There are different types of clinical trials:

Phase I studies test the safety of a new drug or treatment in people for the first time. The purpose of these studies is to find safe dosage ranges, determine side effects and identify any risks associated with taking the drug or treatment.

Phase II studies look at whether a drug or treatment works in people with a certain type and stage of disease. They also study side effects and dosing schedules. These studies may involve several hundred patients across multiple centers in one country or several countries.

Phase III studies test whether a drug or treatment works better than standard treatments in people with specific diseases; for example, whether one type of chemotherapy helps children with cancer live longer compared to another type of chemotherapy that has been used for years without being proven better than other types of chemotherapy. Phase III studies also compare how well experimental drugs work against each other in treating a particular disease or condition.