High-Functioning
Autism in Adults

What is High-Functioning Autism?

The term “High-Functioning Autism” describes people who have certain characteristics of autism that typically are less intense than those seen in more severe cases of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Adults with high-functioning autism often have problems with social interactions, verbal and nonverbal communication, and other life skills and behavioral self-management issues.

Recently the term “High-Functioning Autism” has fallen out of favor because it can oversimplify the complex experience of autism and be misleading. “Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1” is the new clinical term that is being used. Many people with this diagnosis have some symptoms of autism, but may need only minimal support for daily living. The term “neurodiversity” is often associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder. It embraces the idea that people with autism have unique perspectives and abilities that contribute to the richness of human experience.

How is High-Functioning Autism Diagnosed?

High-Functioning Autism (Autism Spectrum Disorder, Level 1) can be diagnosed by a psychologist, psychiatrist, or other qualified clinician. Making a diagnosis may include the following:

• A thorough medical history taken from the individual
• A psychological assessment of the individual’s past and present behavior
• Interviews with relatives and others who know the person very well
• An Autism Diagnostic Evaluation, including standardized tests
• Behavioral criteria described in the Diagnostic Manual of the American Psychiatric Association

How is High-Functioning Autism Treated When Help is Requested?

People with High-Functioning Autism may benefit from several approaches, including the following:

• Life Skills Behavioral Therapy
• Social and Interpersonal Skills Training
• Behavioral Self-Management Training
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Supportive Counseling
• Family Counseling

Why Choose Us?

Our passionate and dedicated neurodiversity-affirming counselors are committed to helping you reach your full potential!

We Celebrate Neurodiversity!

We are proud that our practice was founded by a neurodivergent clinical psychologist. Our focus is building upon a person’s strengths and teaching important life skills, rather than labeling behavior as “maladaptive” and trying to fix it. We foster empowerment and self-advocacy while working to create more inclusive environments in schools, the workplace, and communities.

High-Functioning Autism Diagnostic Evaluations

Our experienced psychologists provide diagnostic evaluations for those seeking this type of assessment. An accurate evaluation of a person’s strengths, abilities, and skills that can be improved upon enables us to develop the best plan for support and empowerment.

Vocational Guidance

Vocational Guidance is a process that helps people make informed decisions about their career paths by assessing their interests, aptitudes, and strengths to match them with suitable occupations. We are pleased to offer this extremely important service.

Help for Enhancing Life Skills

Life Skills Behavioral Therapy is designed to help people with High-Functioning Autism learn to achieve greater success in important areas of life, including:

• Social dating skills
• Sex education
• Dealing with the challenges faced by college students
• Figuring out what career to choose
• Handling job interviews
• Learning interpersonal skills necessary for success in the workplace

Help for Additional Behavioral Issues

People with High-Functioning Autism are more likely than others to have additional issues. Our psychologists and counselors are experienced in treating these co-occurring problems:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Problems managing anger and other emotions
• Sleep issues
• Eating disorders

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