Symptoms and Treatments of High-Functioning Autism in Adults

What is High Functioning Autism?

People with high-functioning autism are usually independent in their daily lives. They typically have strong language and cognitive skills but struggle with the social and emotional regulation aspects of autism. For example, they may struggle with:

• Social interaction and communication
• Understanding nonverbal cues
• Managing sensory sensitivities
• Adjusting to changes or uncertainty
• Emotional regulation

High-Functioning Autism is often not diagnosed until later in life, because, as children, those with Level 1 autism may not have looked like they needed support. They may have had behaviors or ways of doing things that seem odd or eccentric, and they may have been diagnosed with anxiety or other mental health disorders instead.

Signs of High-Functioning Autism in Adults

If you feel like everyone else got some manual on how to be a person in society that you missed out on, you might have high-functioning autism. Adults with high-functioning autism could look like everyone else, with successful relationships, careers, and personal lives. However, internally, it might feel like you’re constantly struggling. Everything feels like it doesn’t fit you, and it feels like an exhausting struggle to meet the expectations set for you. 

Signs of high-functioning autism include:

Social and Communication Signs

• Difficulty understanding social cues (like tone of voice, facial expressions, or body language)
• Trouble with small talk or initiating/maintaining conversations
• Preference for routines and predictability in social settings
• Tendency to talk at length about personal interests without noticing others' reactions
• Difficulty understanding sarcasm, jokes, or figurative language
• May appear blunt, literal, or socially awkward

Behavioral and Cognitive Signs

• Intense focus on specific interests or hobbies (often called “special interests”)
• Strong memory for facts, patterns, or systems
• Difficulty shifting focus from one task or topic to another
• High sensitivity to changes in routine or environment
• May excel in certain academic or technical areas, but struggle with executive functioning (planning, organization, time management)
• Preference for rules, structure, and order

Sensory and Emotional Signs

• Sensory sensitivities (to sounds, lights, textures, smells, etc.)
• May feel easily overwhelmed in busy or loud environments
• Difficulty identifying or expressing emotions (alexithymia)
• Tendency to mask or suppress emotions in public, leading to emotional burnout
• Prone to anxiety, especially in unfamiliar or unpredictable situations

This list is not all-inclusive. Remember that autism is a spectrum and everyone will experience it differently. Also, these traits can be subtle or easily masked, especially in adults and women, and they often go unrecognized. A formal autism diagnosis requires evaluation by a qualified clinician.

Where to get tested for autism as an adult?

To receive a formal autism diagnosis, you should see a mental health professional certified in psychological testing. Not all therapists can diagnose autism, as it takes special training. Professionals who can diagnose include:

• Psychologists
• Psychiatrists
• Licensed Professional Therapists who have training and certifications in psychological assessments and autism

Talk to your therapist about their ability to diagnose. If they can’t, they will refer you out to someone who can. You can also browse specifically for psychiatrists and psychologists. Usually, insurance will cover these sessions. 

Can Someone with High-Functioning Autism Have a Normal Life?

Yes, absolutely. People with high-functioning autism may need more support and resources than someone without autism, but they can usually live independently. Although there is no base “normal” on which to judge on, people with autism can live happy and fulfilling lives. 

If you are someone with autism who is struggling to live in a way that is fulfilling to you, here are some tips to help you get there: 

1. Write out your support needs: Where do you struggle the most, and what would help you with it? Understanding what your needs are is the first step to getting support for them. 
2. Accept support: No one can do life completely alone, and there is nothing wrong with accepting help. Talk to the closest people in your life and ask them to support you how you need. 
3. Live in a way that works for you: Throw out the idea of “normalcy”. What makes you happy? What works for you? 
4. Lean into your strengths: Being aware of weaknesses and your support needs is important, but so is celebrating your strengths. 
5. Educate yourself on autism: Especially if you got diagnosed later in life, it’s important to learn all you can about autism. Listen to people within the community about what helped them the most.  
6. Find a community: Some people may not be understanding of who you are, but others absolutely will. Find people who will celebrate who you are and uplift you. 
7. Use coping mechanisms: In addition to leaning on others for support, learn how you can best support yourself. What routines and systems need to be in place to support your health and wellness? 

Finally, you can talk to a therapist who specializes in autism and neurodivergence. Therapists can help you understand why you do the things you do, what coping mechanisms would work best for you, and how to manage the daily life of living with autism. They are also important in addressing any comorbid issues, such as anxiety and depression, which occur at higher rates in people with autism. 

If you’re ready to find the support you need, contact Lifebulb. We can be reached by phone or email. Alternatively, you can browse our list of therapists yourself to find someone that you feel comfortable with. 

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