High-functioning autism (HFA) was historically anautism classification to describe a person who exhibited nointellectual disability but otherwise showed autistic traits, such as difficulty insocial interaction andcommunication. The term was often applied to verbal autistic people of at least average intelligence.[9][10] However, many in medical and autistic communities have called to stop using the term, finding it simplistic and unindicative of the difficulties some autistic people face.[11][12][13]
The term "high-functioning autism" was used in a manner similar toAsperger syndrome, another outdated classification. The defining characteristic recognized by psychologists was a significant delay in the development of early speech and language skills, before the age of three years.[10] The term Asperger syndrome typically excluded a general language delay.[15] Other differences were noted in features of high-functioning autism and Asperger syndrome in a study of 112 children in Germany.[10]
^American Psychiatric Association (2013). "Autism Spectrum Disorder. 299.00 (F84.0)".Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Publishing. pp. 50–59.doi:10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596.hdl:2027.42/138395.ISBN978-0-89042-559-6.
^The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th edition, text revision (DSM-5-TR) ed.). American Psychiatric Association (APA). March 18, 2022.
^Reaven J (2011). "The treatment of anxiety symptoms in youth with high-functioning autism spectrum disorders: Developmental considerations for parents".Brain Research.1380:255–63.doi:10.1016/j.brainres.2010.09.075.PMID20875799.S2CID5226904.
McCreary M (2019). Ayer P (ed.).Funny, You Don't Look Autistic: A Comedian's Guide to Life on the Spectrum. Toronto: Annick Press Ltd. p. 169.ISBN978-1-77321-257-9.LCCN2018303582.
