by Kimberly Devine

Created on: November 30, 2008   Last Updated: December 12, 2008

The Hidden Disability: High-Functioning Autism Spectrum Disorders

Most people can easily recognize an individual with autism or an autistic spectrum disorder (ASD). At least, they believe they can. A high-functioning autistic spectrum disorder is debilitating because individuals are expected to conform to normal behaviors, and their disorder can remain undiagnosed. Today, our ability to recognize and treat these individuals has brightened their future and provided hope to their families.

Although all disabilities on the autistic spectrum share many traits, this article will focus on high-functioning individuals with advanced verbal abilities. Therefore, treatment and diagnosis information here does not apply to all individuals on the spectrum. The term normal is used her as a distinction, but very few individuals qualify as normal.

An individual on the autistic spectrum can suffer from any of a number of differing symptoms, and each of these can be in varying degrees. This makes every autistic spectrum individual unique. The diagnostic criteria used to define autism proper require exhibiting at least six symptoms total, including at least two symptoms of qualitative impairment in social interaction, at least one symptom of qualitative impairment in communication, and at least one symptom of restricted and repetitive behavior. The number of symptoms and the level of impairment are what guide a diagnosis outside of autism proper and place it somewhere on the autistic spectrum.

Think of these symptoms as a result. If an individual is a diabetic, he may develop an eye disability particular to diabetes. This disability is a result of diabetes. Although deteriorating vision is a major problem and can be recognized, measured and treated, it is not the disease. Now, imagine there was no test for diabetes. It would be possible to judge the level of diabetes only through its symptoms. That is the case with disorders on the autistic spectrum. The level of impairment is judged solely on symptoms.

Many ASD individuals have subconsciously developed methods of masking their symptoms in order to fit into society. The traditional methods of diagnosis can by stymied by the very advancements in socialization a child has achieved. The disorder is still affecting their lives, but only an understanding of what causes the symptoms can allow us to see the disorder in these high-functioning individuals.

The main cause of many autistic symptoms is sensory-processing or integration difficulties.

• 1
• 2
• 3
• ...
• 9
• Next Page >>