What Does Extremely High-Functioning Autism Look Like? Understanding the Nuances

What is Extremely High-Functioning Autism?

Honestly, when people hear "high-functioning autism," they often think that individuals with this condition don’t face significant challenges. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. Extremely high-functioning autism (EHFA) refers to individuals on the autism spectrum who might not show obvious signs of struggle, but still deal with various difficulties, especially in social situations and sensory processing.

Now, don’t get me wrong, these individuals often excel in certain areas. They might be incredibly focused, detail-oriented, or excel in intellectual pursuits. But there’s a catch—just because someone appears “normal” or even exceptional in certain aspects doesn’t mean that life is without hurdles.

Signs and Characteristics of Extremely High-Functioning Autism

Social Challenges: A Different Way of Connecting

One of the most important things to understand is that social interaction can be quite difficult for those with EHFA. Honestly, you might meet someone who seems fine in a group, but there could be internal struggles that aren't visible on the surface. For instance, they may have trouble understanding social cues, picking up on sarcasm, or making small talk.

I remember a conversation I had with a colleague, Mia, who has a friend with EHFA. She mentioned that her friend, though incredibly intelligent and capable, had a hard time reading body language or knowing when it was their turn to speak in a conversation. It’s something that’s easy to overlook if you’re not looking closely.

Routines and Repetitive Behaviors

Okay, so this one’s a bit tricky. Individuals with EHFA often find comfort in routines or repetitive behaviors. It’s like their brain craves predictability. Imagine planning your day, and suddenly, something changes that throws off your entire schedule. That’s what it might feel like for someone with EHFA when their routine is disrupted.

A friend of mine, Josh, has a younger brother with EHFA, and he shared how his brother could become really upset if there was a slight change in his daily routine. For Josh, it was a bit hard to understand at first, but eventually, he realized that these behaviors were a way for his brother to feel in control in an otherwise overwhelming world.

Sensory Sensitivities: Overstimulated or Understimulated?

Well, sensory issues are another big thing to watch out for. People with EHFA can be hyper-sensitive or under-sensitive to certain stimuli like light, sound, or touch. So, for example, they might feel completely overwhelmed by bright lights or loud noises, while others may not even notice them.

I remember walking with a friend, Sam, whose son has EHFA. We were in a crowded shopping mall, and Sam’s son suddenly stopped walking. Sam quickly realized that the noise and the number of people were too much for him. It wasn’t that Sam’s son was being difficult—it was that his sensory processing made the environment feel chaotic and unbearable. Honestly, it was eye-opening.

Strengths of Individuals with Extremely High-Functioning Autism

Exceptional Focus and Attention to Detail

Honestly, one of the most amazing things about individuals with EHFA is their ability to focus on tasks for long periods of time. This hyper-focus can lead to deep expertise in a specific area. They might dive into their interests with such intensity that they become highly skilled or even experts in their field.

I have a friend who is a software developer and has EHFA. He can spend hours perfecting a piece of code, and when it’s finished, it’s flawless. It's this ability to zero in on details that often gives people with EHFA an edge in technical fields or any discipline that requires precision and dedication.

Intellectual Gifts and Creativity

Some individuals with EHFA also have strong intellectual abilities, and their unique way of thinking can actually lead to creative solutions. They may think outside the box in ways that others don’t. While social situations can be a challenge, their creativity shines in their work or hobbies.

A colleague of mine, Sarah, told me about her cousin with EHFA, who creates stunning visual art. It’s not just about technique for him; it’s about expressing his unique perspective of the world. People are often blown away by the level of creativity and detail in his art. But here’s the thing—his work is often overlooked because, outwardly, he doesn’t “seem” different. People underestimate what he brings to the table until they see his work firsthand.

The Challenges of Navigating the World

Misunderstanding and Lack of Support

Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of misunderstanding about high-functioning autism. Society tends to assume that if someone doesn’t show obvious signs of autism, they must be completely independent. But that’s not always the case.

I once had a conversation with my friend Claire, who mentioned how people constantly overlook her nephew, who has EHFA. Despite his abilities, he struggles in social situations, and people often think he’s just shy or rude. This lack of awareness can make it harder for individuals with EHFA to get the support they need, whether in school, at work, or in their personal lives.

Emotional Challenges

Another challenge is that individuals with EHFA often have emotional difficulties that are hard to notice. They may struggle with anxiety or depression, especially if they feel misunderstood or isolated. It’s not easy to navigate a world that doesn’t always make sense to you, and this emotional burden can be heavy.

I’ve seen it firsthand with a friend, Mark, whose cousin has EHFA. Mark shared how his cousin sometimes retreats into his own world, not because he wants to, but because the social and emotional expectations of the world can feel like too much.

Conclusion: A Different Yet Beautiful Perspective

Honestly, understanding extremely high-functioning autism is an ongoing learning process. People with EHFA may appear to be just like everyone else, but they often face unique challenges that are not immediately visible. Their sensory sensitivities, social struggles, and emotional complexities are all parts of their experience, even if they excel in certain areas.

If you know someone with EHFA, take a moment to appreciate their strengths and understand their struggles. Their world may look different from yours, but in many ways, it can be just as rich and meaningful. So, next time you encounter someone with EHFA, try to see the person behind the behaviors—there’s so much more than meets the eye.

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.