What Is High Functioning Autism
High functioning autism characterized by features very similar to those of Asperger syndrome although it is a term that is mostly applied to individuals who are deemed to be cognitively “higher functioning” (having an IQ of greater than 70) compared to other people with autism. As a result social interaction and nonverbal communication is something that they find difficult along with restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior and interests.
High functioning autism has some uncanny resemblance with Asperger syndrome. For one, both HFA and AS may have difficulties related to social interaction and communication even with their average or above average intelligence. They also develop as significant relay in early speed and language skills. With that being said, HFA and AS also have a number of noteworthy differences as well. For instance, when compared to people with Asperger syndrome, HFA posses better visual and spatial skills with their higher IQ performance. On the other hand, people with Asperger syndrome also have a slight edge when it comes to empathizing with another.
Is it linked to genius characteristics?
As mentioned earlier, HFA possesses curiosity and interest for many different things and as such, many consider them linked to genius characteristics. How much of this is true?
Well with HFA cases, most of the individuals have exceptional working memories. This is considered to be a system keeps information available further for processing by holding that said information active in mind. Due to their notable ferocious attention to detail made possible with the help of their working memories, a number of prodigies scored high in autistic traits.
Their obsessive interest in specific items or information such as strong reactions to textures, smells, sounds, sights, or other stimuli that others might not even notice makes them excel in specific areas that they want to specialize in. Indeed, HFA children with the help of their genetic trait or learned skill make it possible for them to achieve intense focus with little to no effort. As such, many consider autism to carry the potential for exceptional talent and social deficits as stated by the intense world theory.
There have also been a number of noteworthy individuals who were considered geniuses of their time possessing traits similar to HFA. For example, Kurt Friedrich Gödel was an Austrian, and later American, logician, mathematician, and philosopher and was known to have severe difficulties in social relationships. Gregor Mendel was a genius that was completely single minded. The famous storyteller Hans Christian Andersen was known to be very much a loner having significant social interactional problems although this did not stop him in creating timeless fairy tale classics that have been read by countless number of children.
As you can see many individuals were able to conquer HFA turning this into a positive trait. For parents out there who share similar experience, it is important that they provide their children a type of environment in which their kids will be able to thrive in with ease. It should be noted that each and every one of our needs are unique and the same can also be said with HFA people. As such, knowing their strengths and weakness, desires as well as challenges will definitely go a long way in helping develop and cultivate their respective talents and skills.