HIGH FUNCTIONING AUTISM By: Pamela Curtin Kelly Homenick.

HIGH FUNCTIONING

AUTISM By: Pamela Curtin

Kelly Homenick

DEFINITION

Autism: is a brain disorder in which communication

and interaction with others is difficult. The

symptoms of autism may range from total lack of

communication with others to difficulty in

understanding others' feelings. Because of the range

of symptoms, this condition is now called autism

spectrum disorder (ASD).

DEFINITON:

High Functioning Autism (HFA): is an informal

term applied to autistic people who are deemed to be

"higher functioning" than other autistic people, by

one or more metrics. HFA is not yet a recognized

diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR or the ICD-10.

CHARACTERISTICS:

People with high-functioning autism have average or above-average intelligence.

They may show other behaviors and signs similar to what's seen with other types

of autism. These include:

A lack of skill in interacting with others

A delay in motor skills

Little understanding of the abstract uses of language, such as humor or give-

and-take in a conversation

Obsessive interest in specific items or information

Strong reactions to textures, smells, sounds, sights, or other stimuli that others

might not even notice, such as a flickering light.

The differences from other forms of autism have

led many psychiatrists to consider high-functioning

autism as similar to or the same as

Asperger's syndrome. Some researchers argue that

the two are distinct diagnostic entities, others argue

that they are indistinguishable.

Unlike people with other forms of autism, people

with high-functioning autism or Asperger's syndrome

want to be involved with others. They simply don't

know how to go about it. They may not be able to

understand others' emotions. They may not read

facial expressions or body language well. As a result,

they may be teased and often feel like social

outcasts. The unwanted social isolation can lead to

anxiety and depression.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

using your understanding of the characteristics of

autism as a means of understanding the autistic student's

behavior and learning style,

building new skills by developing each student's

strengths and interests,

and using visual information to help students understand

their schedule, academic content, or behavioral

expectations.

HFA AND THE CLASSROOM

Step 1: Educate Yourself

Step 2: Reach Out to the Parent

Step 3: Prepare the Classroom

Step 4: Educate Peers and Promote Social Goal

Step 5: Collaborate on the Educational Program

Development.

Step 6: Manage Behavioral Challenge.

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

REFERENCES:

Disabled World News (2010-12-04) - Information

regarding High Functioning Autism (HFA) in

children and adults with autism spectrum disorders:

http://www.disabled-world.com/health/neurology/auti

sm/hfa.php#ixzz2McLFH5NN

http://www.autismspeaks.org/family-services/tool-ki

ts/asperger-syndrome-and-high-functioning-autism-

tool-kit/classroom

http://teacch.com/educational-approaches/recomm

endations-for-students-with-high-functioning-autis

m-kerry-hogan