What distinguishes high-functioning autism from classic autism?

What distinguishes high-functioning autism from classic autism?

• A. It involves more significant communication challenges
• B. It occurs only in individuals with below-average intelligence
• C. It typically involves average or above-average intelligence
• D. It has no impact on adaptive functioning

Answer: (C)

High-functioning autism is characterized primarily by the presence of average or above-average intelligence, which is a key distinction from classic autism. Individuals with high-functioning autism often possess intellectual capabilities that allow them to participate in typical educational settings and understand complex concepts, although they may still face challenges in social interaction and communication. This contrasts with classic autism, which may include a broader range of intellectual functioning, often with individuals exhibiting more significant developmental delays and intellectual disabilities. The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics that differentiate high-functioning autism. More significant communication challenges are often more associated with classic autism, while individuals with high-functioning autism usually have relatively intact communication skills despite social pragmatic difficulties. The notion that high-functioning autism occurs only in individuals with below-average intelligence contradicts the definition itself, as it is specifically marked by higher cognitive abilities. Lastly, the impact on adaptive functioning can vary widely across the spectrum, but high-functioning individuals often show some skills in adaptive functioning compared to those with classic autism.

High-functioning autism is characterized primarily by the presence of average or above-average intelligence, which is a key distinction from classic autism. Individuals with high-functioning autism often possess intellectual capabilities that allow them to participate in typical educational settings and understand complex concepts, although they may still face challenges in social interaction and communication. This contrasts with classic autism, which may include a broader range of intellectual functioning, often with individuals exhibiting more significant developmental delays and intellectual disabilities.

The other options do not accurately reflect the characteristics that differentiate high-functioning autism. More significant communication challenges are often more associated with classic autism, while individuals with high-functioning autism usually have relatively intact communication skills despite social pragmatic difficulties. The notion that high-functioning autism occurs only in individuals with below-average intelligence contradicts the definition itself, as it is specifically marked by higher cognitive abilities. Lastly, the impact on adaptive functioning can vary widely across the spectrum, but high-functioning individuals often show some skills in adaptive functioning compared to those with classic autism.