Autism spectrum disorder (commonly referred to as just “autism”) is a developmental and neurological disorder that can impact how someone behaves, communicates, interacts, and learns. Although the term “high-functioning autism” isn’t an official medical diagnosis, it’s commonly used in reference to autistic people who can speak, read, write, and perform life skills with minimal assistance. The medical community previously used the term “Asperger’s syndrome” to describe high-functioning autism but officially retired its usage in 2013.

What Are the Levels of Autism?

As its full name suggests, autism is considered to be on a spectrum because each person experiences the disorder differently, with some requiring more support than others. The medical community classifies autism into three levels, ranging from Level 1 (which requires the least support) to Level 3 (which requires the most support). Many people consider individuals at Level 1 to have high-functioning autism. It’s important to note that some autistic people fluctuate between levels from one day to another or even within the course of the same day.

Learn More About the Autism Spectrum

If you think that you or a loved one might have high-functioning autism or another level of autism, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of the knowledgeable therapists on our team. We have extensive experience working with autistic patients, and we’ll be happy to provide you with tips and tools that are customized to your specific needs. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at a date and time that’s convenient for you.

Have you ever wondered whether you could possibly be autistic? Autism spectrum disorder (often referred to as “autism”) is a neurological and developmental disorder that can impact how someone learns, communicates, behaves, and interacts with others. Autism symptoms can vary from one person to another and change over time, and only a trained professional can accurately diagnose you with this disorder. With that said, here are 12 signs that you might be autistic:

1. You follow the same routine every day and feel anxious if it changes.
2. You make careful plans.
3. You pay attention to small details and patterns that often go unnoticed.
4. You find it difficult to explain what you’re feeling.
5. You have trouble understanding what others are thinking or feeling.
6. You take things literally (for example, you don’t understand what someone means when they use phrases like “keep your eye on the ball” or “you’ve got a frog in your throat”).
7. You don’t pick up on sarcasm.
8. The thought of socializing makes you feel anxious.
9. You don’t understand social rules (for example, how you shouldn’t interrupt someone while they’re speaking).
10. You find it hard to make eye contact with others.
11. People have accused you of being blunt or rude even when you didn’t mean to be.
12. You have trouble making friends.

Speak to a Therapist Who Specializes in Treating Autism

Do the signs and symptoms described above sound familiar? If so, we invite you to schedule a consultation with one of the experienced therapists at our practice. We specialize in treating patients with autism and we can supply you with customized advice about next steps to take. Contact us today and one of our friendly team members can tell you more about our practice, answer your questions, and schedule an appointment at a date and time that’s convenient for you.