Can you recognize the signs of high-functioning autism in teenagers?

Autism exists on a spectrum, and can be diagnosed as early as age two with the help of a trained specialist. Yet when it comes to high-functioning autism in teens, parents often miss the signs, leading to delayed (or no) treatment and an increased risk of negative long-term outcomes. 

The Ridge RTC is committed to supporting teens across the autism spectrum. Read on to learn why high-functioning autism often goes unnoticed in teens, plus an overview of the signs that all parents should be looking out for.

Table of Contents: 

• What is High-Functioning Autism in Teens?
• Common Traits of High-Functioning Autism in Teenagers
• High-Functioning Autism: Teenage Boy vs. Girl
• Why High-Functioning Autism is Often Missed in Teens
• How to Support Your Teen with High-Functioning ASD
• Residential Care for Teenagers with High-Functioning Autism

What is High-Functioning Autism in Teens?

For teenagers, high-functioning autism tends to be characterized by average or above-average intelligence combined with distinct social and/or emotional struggles. 

A teen with high-functioning autism spectrum disorder (ASD) generally has average or strong verbal communication skills and likely doesn’t appear “autistic” in the way we normally conceive of the condition. However, high-functioning autism comes with its own unique challenges. Being able to spot the signs is key, as is general awareness of how high-functioning shows up in teens and other young people. 

Common Traits of High-Functioning Autism in Teenagers

Don’t let the name fool you. While teens on this end of the autism spectrum are high-functioning, they also present with a number of neurodiverse traits, including:

• Difficulties with social cues and peer relationships
• Hyperfixation on specific subjects
• Rigid thinking and a need for routines
• Emotional outbursts or shutdowns under stress

The specific diagnosis for high-functioning autism is generally Autism Level 1, which is the mildest form of ASD. 

High-Functioning Autism: Teenage Boy vs. Girl

How symptoms present – and how severely – varies from teen to teen. There are also some clear differences between gender lines. 

A teenage boy with high-functioning autism, for example, may externalize neurodiverse traits through noncompliance and other behavioral difficulties, while high-functioning autistic girls tend to mask symptoms and internalize the social and emotional traits of the disorder. 

Because of these differences, girls tend to get diagnosed with autism less and/or later in life than their male counterparts, and boys are about 4x more likely than girls to receive the diagnosis. 

Why High-Functioning Autism is Often Missed in Teens

About one in four teens with autism goes undiagnosed. And getting the right diagnosis (or a diagnosis at all) is especially tricky for high-functioning autistic teens, many of whom are misdiagnosed as having another disorder or have their symptoms ignored entirely. 

There are several reasons to explain the diagnostic gap. As noted, teens, and especially girls, may camouflage their symptoms to fit in. Meanwhile, success in school can overshadow underlying challenges and convince caregivers and teachers that there’s nothing to worry about. 

For many teens with high-functioning autism, the disorder is misdiagnosed as anxiety, depression, or attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These disorders often co-occur with Autism Level 1, but mistaking one for the other is dangerous since it can lead to incorrect and ineffective treatment. 

How to Support Your Teen with High-Functioning ASD

Early autism intervention can make a lasting impact on a teen’s life. Here’s what to do if you suspect your teenage child has high-functioning autism or has been presented with a formal diagnosis. 

Promote Emotional Validation and Routine

Your teen may struggle to process and explain their emotions, and that’s okay! Validating these feelings instead of dismissing them, as well as providing your teen with clear and predictable routines, lets your child know they have a safe space to be themselves, no matter what that looks like. 

Encourage Social Skill-Building 

High-functioning autistic teenagers may want to avoid social situations and the challenges they present. Give them the confidence to resist this urge by facilitating social engagements, lending appropriate support, and, if necessary, enrolling your child in a social support program for teens with autism. 

Help with Stress Management

Prioritize stress management and self-care at home. The more coping skills your child can develop and practice in a safe and supportive environment, the more tools they’ll have at the ready as they go out into the world. 

Seek Specialized Help

Not all adolescents with high-functioning ASD will require specialized treatment. But if your child is exhibiting severe and disruptive social, emotional, and/or functional difficulties, it may be time to seek out treatment with a specialized autism provider or treatment program.

Residential Care for Teenagers with High-Functioning Autism

High–functioning autism requires understanding and support. It sometimes requires specialized residential care, too. The Ridge RTC is proud to offer tailored residential care for teens on the high-functioning end of the autism spectrum, with programs centered around emotional regulation, peer support, and family involvement. Explore our website to learn more, and contact us to speak about specific autism program services and availability.