high functioning autism spectrum disorder test

These behaviours can also be sensory pleasing therefore they are occasionally carried out by the child for the pleasure they receive.Ĭhildren with high-functioning autism can experience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to their five senses, and therefore may have a strong like or dislike to particular foods, smells, textures, lights and sounds. These behaviours may be used by the child as a way of calming down, dealing with stressful situations or stimulate their senses. Self-stimulatory behaviours (shaking, rocking, flapping).Įxperience hypersensitivity or hyposensitivity to any of their senses (touch, sight, smell, noise, taste).Ĭhildren with HFA may have a limited range of interests which may develop to an intense and obsessive level.ĭifficulty in playing games where ‘pretending ‘is needed, may prefer games with rules, consistency and an end result.ĭifficulty in predicting what may happen next in a situation or envisioning an alternative situation or outcome.Ĭhildren may carry out repetitive self-stimulatory behaviours such as rocking back and forth, playing with their fingers, flapping their hands up and down. Inappropriate behaviour in social settings and situations.ĭifficulty predicting others reactions, thoughts and behaviours.ĭifficulty making and maintaining friendships.Ĭhildren with high-functioning autism may struggle with making friendships as they could find it difficult to understand and join in with conversations and jokes made by their peers. Due to the lack of awareness the child may give an inappropriate response leading them to get into more trouble.ĭifficulty understanding social norms and social rules. For example, they may be unaware they have made a teacher angry as they have failed to pick up the teachers change in tone or frowning upon their face. May struggle to see multiple possibilities.Ĭhildren with high-functioning autism may find it difficult to deal with certain situations that may arise at school or in the home as they find it difficult to read the other people's body language and respond appropriately. May demonstrate difficulty in understanding other points of view in a discussion. May have extensive vocabulary for their age and speak in complex sentences. Unawareness of conversational breakdown, repairing or maintaining a conversation.ĭifficulty choosing appropriate topics to discuss. Understanding everyday sayings such as “pull your socks up”.ĭifficulty with conversational skills such as knowing when to start/end a conversation. Understanding jokes, idioms, metaphors, sarcasm. Understanding facial expressions and tone of voice. Some characteristics children with HFA may demonstrate are:ĭifficulty with social communication including: Similar to ASD the characteristics of HFA and severity of symptoms vary between children. However children may still have learning difficulties such as dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Children may appear to lack imagination in their thoughts and paly.Ĭhildren who have HFA tend to have fewer difficulties than children who function lower on the spectrum (may be non-verbal or have severe learning difficulties) with speech and are less likely to have coexisting learning disabilities.

Children may have a routine that they abide by, changes to the routine may cause the child to become upset and distressed.

lining them up rather than using them for their actual function. self-stimulatory behaviour, playing with toys in a non-functional manner e.g. Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activitiesĬhildren may have behaviours or habits that are repetitive e.g. Speech and language therapists are able to provide children with techniques and strategies to manage their social communication or interaction difficulties. Social interaction refers to the behaviour of individuals who are sharing an activity.Ĭhildren who have high-functioning autism will have some difficulties with their social communication and interaction and may not be able to use the appropriate language and behaviour in particular situations, particularly when interacting with others. Social communication refers to the social use of language, this requires a child to use and understand language and behaviour with others in communicative context. Social communication and social interaction

Children also struggle with the following areas: Children who have HFA are on the spectrum but have no learning or physical disability that affect their functioning. HFA is a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

High functioning autism spectrum disorder test