Supporting Individuals with High-Functioning Autism Behavior Problems

Supporting individuals with high-functioning autism behavior problems. Understanding, strategies, and evidence-based approaches for a brighter future.

Published on

April 27, 2024

Supporting Individuals with High-Functioning Autism Behavior Problems

Understanding Social Challenges

Individuals with high-functioning autism often face unique challenges in social interactions. Their difficulties in understanding social cues and expectations can impact their ability to engage with others and adapt to new experiences. It is important to recognize these challenges and provide appropriate support to help individuals with high-functioning autism navigate social situations effectively.

Social Skills Development

Many children and adults on the autism spectrum may have difficulty learning social skills naturally, which can make it challenging for them to decipher social cues and expectations in different situations. Teaching social skills to individuals with high-functioning autism requires a targeted approach that takes into account their specific needs and learning styles.

One effective strategy is the use of personalized teaching stories presented visually through charts, booklets, or electronic devices. These visual aids can help individuals with autism understand what to expect in various social situations and provide guidance on how to navigate them effectively. By breaking down complex social scenarios into manageable steps, individuals with high-functioning autism can develop a better understanding of appropriate social behavior.

In addition to individualized teaching stories, structured social skills programs have shown promise in helping individuals with high-functioning autism improve their social interactions. The PEERS program at UCLA, for example, is a 16-week program that focuses on teaching social skills, including dating tips, specifically designed for individuals with autism. These programs provide structured guidance and practice opportunities to develop social skills in a supportive environment.

Teaching Strategies

When working with individuals with high-functioning autism, it is essential to employ teaching strategies that cater to their unique learning needs. Some effective teaching strategies include:

Visual Supports: Visual aids such as visual schedules, social stories, and visual cues can help individuals with high-functioning autism understand and remember social expectations in different situations. These visual supports provide concrete visual information that can enhance comprehension and support independent functioning.
Role-Playing: Role-playing allows individuals with high-functioning autism to practice and generalize social skills in a safe and controlled environment. By engaging in role-play scenarios, they can learn how to respond appropriately to different social situations, improve their communication skills, and gain confidence in their interactions with others.
Social Skills Groups: Participating in social skills groups provides individuals with high-functioning autism with opportunities to practice social interactions in a structured and supportive setting. These groups offer a safe space to learn, share experiences, and receive feedback from peers and facilitators.
Individualized Instruction: Recognizing that each individual with high-functioning autism is unique, individualized instruction tailored to their specific needs is crucial. This may involve breaking down social skills into smaller, manageable steps, providing additional support or accommodations, and incorporating their interests and strengths into the learning process.

Supporting individuals with high-functioning autism in developing social skills is essential for their overall well-being and successful integration into various social settings. By providing targeted interventions and teaching strategies, we can bridge the gap and empower individuals with high-functioning autism to navigate social interactions with confidence.

Behavioral Patterns in Autism

Understanding the behavioral patterns associated with high-functioning autism is crucial in providing support and intervention for individuals on the autism spectrum. In this section, we will explore the symptoms exhibited by children and adults with high-functioning autism, as well as the common co-occurring disorders that are often observed.

Children's Symptoms

Children with high-functioning autism may display a range of symptoms that can impact their social interactions, communication, and behavior. Some common symptoms include:

Delayed speech or language development.
Fear or anxiety in social situations.
Difficulty making friends and maintaining relationships.
Resistance to change and a preference for routines.
Sensory sensitivities, such as sensitivity to bright lights, loud noises, and strong smells.

These symptoms can vary in severity and may present differently in each child. It's important to note that not all children with high-functioning autism will exhibit the same symptoms, as autism is a spectrum disorder. Early identification and intervention can greatly benefit children with high-functioning autism in managing their symptoms and improving their quality of life.

Adults' Symptoms

Adults with high-functioning autism may also experience challenges in social interactions and communication. Some common symptoms observed in adults with high-functioning autism include:

Difficulty maintaining eye contact.
Difficulty understanding social cues and non-verbal communication.
Challenges with understanding and using verbal communication nuances.
Adherence to strict routines and rituals.
Sensory sensitivities that may persist from childhood.

Similar to children, the symptoms experienced by adults with high-functioning autism can vary in intensity. It's important to recognize that individuals with high-functioning autism may have unique strengths and abilities alongside their challenges.

Co-occurring Disorders

In addition to the core symptoms of high-functioning autism, individuals may also experience co-occurring disorders. These are commonly observed in both children and adults with high-functioning autism. Some of the most prevalent co-occurring disorders include:

Anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder.
Depression, which can result from the challenges and social isolation experienced by individuals with high-functioning autism.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which may coexist with high-functioning autism and further impact attention and impulse control.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), characterized by intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors.
Bipolar disorder, a mood disorder that involves periods of depression and mania.

These co-occurring disorders can complicate the management of high-functioning autism and require comprehensive assessment and treatment approaches.

By understanding the behavioral patterns exhibited by children and adults with high-functioning autism, we can better support their unique needs. Recognizing the symptoms and addressing them through appropriate interventions and therapies can help individuals with high-functioning autism thrive and reach their full potential.

Sensory Sensitivities in Autism

Individuals with autism often experience sensory challenges, which are a defining characteristic of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) according to the DSM-V criteria for diagnosis of ASD. These sensory sensitivities can manifest in different ways and have a significant impact on daily life. In this section, we will explore the concepts of hyperreactivity and hyporeactivity in relation to sensory sensitivities in autism and discuss their impact.

Hyperreactivity vs. Hyporeactivity

People with autism may exhibit either hyperreactivity or hyporeactivity to sensory input, or even both. Hyperreactivity refers to being more sensitive to sensory stimuli and experiencing heightened responses to sensory information. On the other hand, hyporeactivity refers to experiencing reduced sensitivity to sensory input, resulting in a diminished response to sensory stimuli.

For individuals who are hyperreactive, sensory experiences can be overwhelming and intense. They may find certain sounds, smells, tastes, textures, or visual stimuli distressing or uncomfortable. This heightened sensitivity can lead to feelings of anxiety, stress, and even physical discomfort.

Conversely, individuals who are hyporeactive may have a reduced sensitivity to sensory stimuli. They may not notice certain sounds, smells, textures, or even their own bodily sensations. This can result in challenges in perceiving and responding to their environment, such as difficulty recognizing hunger or fullness, or not noticing potential dangers in their surroundings.

Impact on Daily Life

Sensory sensitivities can have a significant impact on the daily lives of individuals with autism. The specific challenges faced will vary from person to person, as sensory sensitivities can manifest in different ways. Some common examples include:

Auditory Sensitivities: Certain sounds may be extremely upsetting or overwhelming for individuals with autism. Noises that others may find tolerable can be distressing and may lead to anxiety or meltdowns.
Olfactory Sensitivities: Individuals with autism may have an overactive sense of smell, making them more sensitive to certain odors. Strong smells that others may not even notice can be overpowering and cause discomfort or distress.
Tactile Sensitivities: Sensitivities to touch and textures are common among individuals with autism. Some textures may be perceived as uncomfortable or even painful, leading to avoidance or distress.
Visual Sensitivities: Certain visual stimuli, such as bright lights or busy patterns, can be overwhelming for individuals with autism. They may find it challenging to filter out visual information and focus on what is relevant.

These sensory sensitivities can impact various aspects of daily life, including social interactions, communication, and participation in everyday activities. It is important to recognize and understand these sensitivities to provide appropriate support and accommodations for individuals with high-functioning autism behavior problems. By creating sensory-friendly environments and implementing strategies to manage sensory challenges, we can help individuals with autism navigate their world more comfortably and effectively.

Executive Function Challenges

Individuals with high-functioning autism often face challenges related to executive function. Executive function refers to a set of cognitive processes that help regulate and manage thoughts and actions, including planning, attention, problem-solving, working memory, and cognitive flexibility [3]. These challenges can significantly impact various aspects of their lives, including communication.

Definition and Components

Executive function deficits can be compared to a company where the supervisor is unorganized and inefficient, leading to problems in planning and organization [3]. Up to 80% of individuals with autism suffer from executive function disorder, which can manifest as difficulties managing time, completing tasks, and organizing daily activities [3].

The components of executive function include:

Planning: Difficulties with developing and organizing a plan of action.
Attention: Challenges in sustaining focus and avoiding distractions.
Problem-solving: Trouble identifying and implementing effective solutions.
Working memory: Difficulties holding and manipulating information in mind.
Cognitive flexibility: Challenges in adapting to changes and shifting between tasks or perspectives.

The severity and specific areas of executive function challenges can vary among individuals with autism. Some may struggle with multiple components, while others may face difficulties with one or a few of these areas [3].

Impact on Communication

Executive function challenges can have a significant impact on communication for individuals with high-functioning autism. While some individuals may be socially engaged and eager to communicate, they may struggle with responding in a timely and organized manner. Difficulties with executive function can hinder their ability to organize their thoughts, initiate and maintain conversations, and express themselves effectively.

For example, individuals with executive function deficits may find it challenging to organize their ideas and convey them in a logical sequence. They may have trouble understanding and responding appropriately to social cues, such as turn-taking in conversations. These difficulties can result in communication breakdowns and frustration for both the individual with autism and their communication partners.

To support individuals with high-functioning autism in overcoming these challenges, it is essential to provide strategies and accommodations that target their specific executive function deficits. This may include visual supports, structured routines, task breakdowns, and promoting self-regulation techniques. By addressing executive function challenges, individuals with high-functioning autism can improve their communication skills and enhance their overall quality of life.

Evidence-Based Strategies

When it comes to supporting individuals with high-functioning autism behavior problems, it is essential to utilize evidence-based strategies that have been proven effective through research and practice. By adhering to federal mandates and implementing these strategies, educators and practitioners can provide effective support for individuals with autism.

Federal Mandates

Two federal laws, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA '04), mandate that educators use evidence-based academic and behavioral practices and programs for children with autism. These laws emphasize the importance of employing strategies that have been proven effective through research and practice [4].

By following these federal mandates, educators can ensure that they are utilizing strategies that are based on sound evidence and have a track record of success. This helps to promote consistency and accountability in supporting individuals with high-functioning autism behavior problems.

Effective Behavior Management

Effective behavior management plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with high-functioning autism behavior problems. Before implementing behavior management strategies, it is essential to clearly define the target behavior that needs to be addressed. This involves identifying the specific behavior that needs to be changed and defining it in a way that is directly observable, measurable, and clearly defined.

Once the target behavior is defined, educators and practitioners can select evidence-based practices that align with the individual's needs, the expertise of the staff, and the available resources. It is crucial to choose strategies that have been supported by research and have demonstrated effectiveness in improving the targeted behaviors.

Implementing effective behavior management strategies requires ongoing data collection and evaluation. This allows educators and practitioners to assess the effectiveness of interventions and make necessary adjustments to better support individuals with high-functioning autism behavior problems. Regular monitoring and evaluation of progress are essential to ensure that the chosen strategies are yielding positive results.

By adhering to federal mandates and implementing evidence-based practices, educators and practitioners can effectively manage the behavior of individuals with high-functioning autism. Clear and precise definitions of the target behavior, along with the selection of evidence-based strategies, ensure that interventions are tailored to the specific needs of each individual.

Supporting Sensory Sensitivities

Individuals with high-functioning autism often experience sensory sensitivities that can significantly impact their daily lives. These sensitivities can affect their ability to process and respond to sensory information from their environment. In order to provide support and improve their quality of life, it is important to address these sensory challenges. Two key aspects of supporting sensory sensitivities are professional involvement and addressing pain sensitivity challenges.

Professional Involvement

To effectively support individuals with high-functioning autism who experience sensory sensitivities, it is crucial to involve various professionals who specialize in sensory processing and related areas. Some professionals who can play a role in this process include:

Occupational therapists: They can assess and develop management plans to address sensory sensitivities. They provide strategies and techniques to help individuals regulate their responses to sensory stimuli.
Dietitians and speech pathologists: These professionals can assist with taste, smell, and sound sensitivities that may affect eating and communication.
Optometrists: They can check for vision issues that may contribute to sensory sensitivities.
Audiologists: They can assess any hearing problems that may impact sensory processing.

Seeking professional advice and involving these experts can provide valuable support and guidance in managing sensory sensitivities. They can offer individualized strategies and interventions tailored to the unique needs of each individual.

Pain Sensitivity Challenges

Individuals with high-functioning autism may exhibit a reduced sense of pain, which can be a challenge in identifying and addressing painful experiences. It is important for parents, caregivers, and professionals to be aware of this characteristic and take necessary precautions to ensure the safety and well-being of the individual.

When individuals with high-functioning autism experience pain, they may not display typical reactions or express their discomfort in the same way as others. Therefore, it is essential to be vigilant and attentive to any potential signs of pain, even if they are not overtly expressed. Seeking professional advice and guidance can help in understanding how these individuals may express pain differently and appropriate ways to address their needs.

By acknowledging and addressing sensory sensitivities, including pain sensitivity challenges, individuals with high-functioning autism can receive the support they need to navigate their daily lives more comfortably. The involvement of professionals who specialize in sensory processing can provide valuable insights and strategies for managing sensory sensitivities effectively.