HFA is a form of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Children who have HFA are on the spectrum but have no learning or physical disability that affect their functioning. Children also struggle with the following areas:
Social communication and social interaction
Social communication refers to the social use of language, this requires a child to use and understand language and behaviour with others in communicative context. Social interaction refers to the behaviour of individuals who are sharing an activity.
Children who have high-functioning autism will have some difficulties with their social communication and interaction and may not be able to use the appropriate language and behaviour in particular situations, particularly when interacting with others. Speech and language therapists are able to provide children with techniques and strategies to manage their social communication or interaction difficulties.
Restricted, repetitive patterns of behaviour, interests or activities
Children may have behaviours or habits that are repetitive e.g. self-stimulatory behaviour, playing with toys in a non-functional manner e.g. lining them up rather than using them for their actual function. Children may have a routine that they abide by, changes to the routine may cause the child to become upset and distressed. Children may appear to lack imagination in their thoughts and paly.
Children who have HFA tend to have fewer difficulties than children who function lower on the spectrum (may be non-verbal or have severe learning difficulties) with speech and are less likely to have coexisting learning disabilities. However children may still have learning difficulties such as dyslexia or attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
