Autism
Neurodevelopmental Disorders & Learning Differences
Key Takeaways
- High-Functioning Autism is a non-clinical term for people on the autism spectrum who have average or above-average intelligence and can speak fluently; it is no longer used in official diagnoses.
- Under the DSM-5, most people once labeled with High-Functioning Autism are now diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1, meaning they need support but do not have significant intellectual or language delays.
- Common traits include difficulty with social interactions, rigid routines, intense focus on specific interests, sensory sensitivities, and struggles with executive functioning such as planning and time management.
- Anxiety, depression, and ADHD can occur alongside ASD Level 1, and because symptoms are often subtle or masked, the condition is sometimes diagnosed later in childhood or even adulthood.
- Asperger's Syndrome was folded into the broader Autism Spectrum Disorder category under the DSM-5 in 2013, and most people who would have received that diagnosis are now considered to have ASD Level 1.
Authored by: The DrSensory Editorial Team
Reviewed by: 🛡️ DrSensory Clinical Review Board
Last updated: June 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Is High-Functioning Autism a real diagnosis?
High-Functioning Autism is a non-clinical term that is still widely recognized by the public, but it is no longer used in official diagnoses. Under the DSM-5, most people previously given this label are now diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder Level 1.
What does ASD Level 1 mean?
ASD Level 1 means a person requires support, particularly in social communication, flexible thinking, and emotional regulation, but does not have significant intellectual or language delays.
What are the signs of High-Functioning Autism in a child?
Common signs include difficulty with social interactions such as reading facial expressions or body language, rigid routines and a preference for sameness, intense focus on specific interests, sensory sensitivities to things like lights, sounds, or textures, and struggles with planning, organizing, and managing time.
Why is High-Functioning Autism sometimes diagnosed late?
Because the symptoms are often subtle or masked, High-Functioning Autism is sometimes diagnosed later in childhood or even in adulthood.
What is the difference between High-Functioning Autism and Asperger's Syndrome?
Asperger's Syndrome was once a standalone diagnosis for individuals with autism who had no speech delays and average or above-average IQ, but in 2013 it was folded into the broader Autism Spectrum Disorder category under the DSM-5. Most people who would have received an Asperger's diagnosis are now considered to have ASD Level 1, so the difference lies mainly in terminology.
