It often begins with a parent noticing something different with their child. The child is often inquisitive, sometimes to a fault, and can talk about a particular subject for hours and hours. The child has problems making friends and sometimes does not seem to understand the emotions of others. Focus is often a problem, both at school and at home, as they have difficulty focusing on topics they do not find interesting. The child does not understand how to relate to others and has problems seeing things from others’ points of view. Often these problems are first noticed in school, with a teacher or school counselor requesting the child be tested for ADHD. The child is usually diagnosed with ADHD and spends the next few years slowly getting worse as they age. Most parents are at a loss and suspect something else is wrong with their child.
The problem is not ADHD but likely Asperger’s Disorder, also known as High Functioning Autism. Many children are on the Autism Spectrum and have received diagnoses of ADHD, only to have this diagnosis change as they age. But what is High Functioning Autism, and how is it treated?
What is High Functioning Autism?
When someone is diagnosed with High Functioning Autism, they are deemed more functional than someone on the lower end of the Spectrum. Autism is a Spectrum, with a wide range of symptoms and severities. Someone on the higher end of the Spectrum often has problems with socialization, attention, rigidity, obsessions, and sensory problems. The difference between High Functioning Autism and Classical Autism is functionality. Most people with High Functioning Autism can lead healthy, productive lives. I have spent the past 14 years treating High Functioning Autism, as I was on the higher end of the Spectrum as a child.
Can High Functioning Autism be Cured?
This is a trick question, as Autism is part of a person’s personality. There are positives and negatives to being on the Spectrum. Many on the Spectrum can see solutions to problems others miss and can be very good researchers. Why would we want to “cure” this? The goal is to use a person’s strengths while finding solutions for their weaknesses. This is where therapy can come in. Therapy can help teach coping skills and strategies to combat the negatives of Autism, such as rigidity and obsessions.
How I Treat High Functioning Autism
When treating High Functioning Autism, my first goal is to form a compassionate and informative relationship. I want to learn about the person, not the condition. I learn about their hobbies, goals, and motivations and develop a plan for the future. Long-term goals are critical in treating Asperger’s, as many people with Autism have problems sticking to long-term goals. During this time, I will also learn about any conditions, addictions, or disorders that are also present and begin working on them. Social anxiety, for example, is common for people with Autism,
I include the family in treating Autism, as the family is an enormous influence. Sometimes I will have family sessions in which I teach all family members how to communicate better and relate to each other. This includes the parents and also siblings in many cases. Most conditions require family therapy for maximum improvement.
Addiction is another condition common for people with Asperger’s. Specifically, most of my child or adolescent Clients are also addicted to the Internet. Internet addiction is devastating as it causes the Client to isolate, causing damage to relationships. At the same time, I often work to treat the symptoms of Asperger’s, Internet Addiction, and Social Anxiety for many of my Clients.
I work to treat the following symptoms most commonly associated with High Functioning Autism:
- Obsessions
- Social Skill Deficits
- Rigidity
- Overstimulation
- Sensory Issues
- Making Eye Contact
- Managing Anger
- Seeing Other’s Perspectives
I treat children, adolescents, and adults who have High Functioning Autism. No matter your age, therapy can help you learn to navigate life.
I think my Child has High Functioning Autism; What do I do?
If you are in the State of Texas, I recommend contacting me and scheduling an appointment. I provide Teletherapy to anyone in Texas. I will talk to you and your child and determine if High Functioning Autism is a possible diagnosis. Regardless of the diagnosis, I can help you and your child by teaching them socialization, coping skills, and how to interact better with your child. In addition, I will work with your child to utilize the strengths Autism provides.
If you live outside of Texas, I have written a book for people on the Autism Spectrum, So You Have Autism, Now What? 30 Days of Learning, Change, and Empowerment. It is available through Amazon via E-Book and Paperback.
Do Not Give Up
Autism is NOT a death sentence. Many hear the words “Autism” and feel there is little hope for their child. Many with High Functioning Autism live normal lives. Chances are there are adults in your life with Autism who are undiagnosed. Autism has its strengths, as most are intelligent and are great problem solvers. I work with my clients to utilize the strengths of Autism and to work around the negatives. Do not give up on your child, as your child can learn how to have a productive, happy life.
How Can I Get Help?
If you are in the State of Texas, I can help with Teletherapy. I have afternoon and evening sessions available and am accepting new Clients. Understand High Functioning Autism is a complex condition and will take time to treat. To set up an initial session, Contact Me.
If you are outside Texas and still need help, I recommend purchasing the above book. Many of the therapeutic exercises I use in therapy are included in the book. I also recommend finding a therapist in your area that understands Autism. Contact Me if you need help in this search, and I will help you find a therapist.
You can reach me at my website or call me directly at 832-559-3520 if you have any questions. Thank You!
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