High-functioning Autism

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. There is no consensus as to the definition. HFA is not yet a recognized diagnosis in the DSM-IV-TR or the ICD-10.

The amount of overlap between HFA and Asperger syndrome is disputed. Some researchers argue that the two are distinct diagnostic entities, others argue that they are indistinguishable. Though High functioning autism is not an official diagnostic term, it may be used as such. It tends to describe people who have many or all of the symptoms of autism but did not develop language typically. Children with classic autism are usually non-verbal, unengaged, and unable to perform well on standard diagnostic tests; however people with high functioning still also demonstrate clearly autistic behaviors. Examples can include, depending upon their age: use of meaningful language, reading, writing, doing maths, showing affection, completing daily tasks; but can’t hold eye contact, maintain a conversation, engage in play, pick up on social cues, etc.