Not all autistics are the stereotypical isolated, rocking child which often comes to mind. Some mildly affected individuals may become independent adults who marry, hold jobs, and raise children. They may experience more difficulties with regulating social interaction and appear awkward. While 70-80% of those diagnosed with autism also test as mentally retarded, many high functioning autistics have average or above average IQ's. At the "high functioning" end of the spectrum are Asperger Syndrome, Pervasive Developmental Disorder - Not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS), and High Functioning Autism. At this end of the spectrum, autistic symptoms blend with "normal" behaviour and development. They are all characterised by typical autistic characteristics but to a milder or limited degree. The distinction between these conditions is unclear at best, however, there are some differences. High Functioning Autism High Functioning Autism (HFA) is not a clearly defined diagnosis. Rather, it is a label given when someone meets (or met as a child) the diagnostic criteria for autistic disorder but is able to speak and has an average or above average IQ. The primary distinction between High Functioning Autism and Asperger Syndrome is early development - primarily of language. High Functioning Autistics are often mis-labelled with Asperger Syndrome if speech is adequate at the time of assessment. Asperger Syndrome Asperger Syndrome (AS) is a type of high functioning autistic spectrum disorder in which there is no clinically significant delay in language and an IQ of at least average (often higher). Although people with AS learn to speak at or near the usual age, they usually have an odd style of speech and difficulties with nonverbal communication. Many people with Asperger Syndrome have fine and/or gross motor skills delays although this is not necessary for a diagnosis. People with AS also frequently have difficulties with math and with organizational skills. PDD-NOS PDD-NOS is the diagnosis given when a child or adult has significant autistic-like traits but does not meet enough of the criteria for a diagnosis of a specific PDD such as Autistic Disorder or Asperger Syndrome. The autistic characteristics of someone with PDD-NOS can vary in number, severity, or age of onset. While most people with PDD-NOS are high functioning, some are severely affected but have too few of the necessary characteristics for another diagnosis. It is a common misperception that all autistics are identified and labelled in childhood as some high functioning autistics and people with Asperger Syndrome are able to compensate for their disability sufficiently to avoid identification. High functioning autistics may be considered learning disabled, eccentric, awkward, "nerdy," immature, too mature, gifted, lazy, or a combination of these. While some of these labels may be accurate, none of them adequately define the problems faced by a person with autism and appropriate treatment for these difficulties. The difficulties of people with high functioning autistic spectrum disorders are similar in some ways to those with more severe forms of autism, but they are also different. The main problems are usually around socialization and social communication. High functioning autistics often appear to the unfamiliar observer to be simply awkward or eccentric but the difficulties are much more profound. As with other forms of autism, the best outcomes are achieved with early and appropriate intervention. Books Author: Tony Attwood Title: Asperger's Syndrome: A guide for parents and professionals Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers ISBN 1-85302-660-0 Format:   Date: 1997 Author: John J. Ratey & Catherine Johnson Title: Shadow Syndromes Publisher: Pantheon Books - New York ISBN 0-679-43968-4 Format: Hardback Date: 1997 Author: Lorna Wing Title: Autistic Spectrum: A Guide for Parents and Professionals Publisher: Constable ISBN   Format:   Date: 1996 Author: Eric Schopler, Gary B. Mesibov Title: High-functioning Individuals with Autism Publisher: Autism Plenum Press - New York ISBN 0-30644-064-4 Format:   Date: 1992   Author: Uta Frith Title: Autism and Asperger's Syndrome Publisher: Cambridge University Press ISBN 0-521-38608-X Format:   Date: 1991   Articles Autism, Asperger's syndrome and semantic-pragmatic disorder: Where are the boundaries? Article about variant forms of mild autistic spectrum disorders. "Peaceful Coexistence" Autism, Asperger's, Hyperlexia by Lynn Richman. Published in the American Hyperlexia Association Newsletter.

Online Asperger Syndrome Information and Support (O.A.S.I.S.) The best Asperger Syndrome site on the internet. Lots of information and support (including message board) Asperger's Syndrome From the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Asperger's Disorder Homepage by Kaan R. Obayrak Asperger's Syndrome Basic information about the developmental disorder. Autism-High Functioning, Asperger's Syndrome, PDD, PDD NOS SFTAH Autism Home Page, Developmental Disabilities, Autism, Health, Education HFA/AS/PDD The Advocates for Individuals with High Functioning Autism/Asperger's Syndrome and other Pervasive Developmental Disorder Asperger's Association Of New England (AANE) Asperger's Disorder HomePage. Dr. Kaan R. Ozbayrak. Aspergers information from ASA Asperger's page of Family Village Asperger Society Home Page, Japan Aspergers Syndrome Homepage Asperger Teenager and Young Adult's Web Page - Courtney Chadwick's Page PDD Home Page This page has links to many resources for PDD. PDD-NOS PDD excerpted from *Newslink, (Autism Society Ontario) April 1991. Autism/Aspergers Support Autism, Asperger's Syndrome, Fragile X, Hyperlexia Autism, high-functioning/PDDNOS/Asperger Syndrome support ASPEN, Inc. (Asperger Syndrome Education Network) Provides most useful, up-to-date info on AS, PDD-NOS, and HFA. The site contains articles, listings of resources, information on support groups and conferences, and links to other helpful sites. Asperger's Disorder Homepage Great site with lot of information about Asperger by Kaan R. Ozbayrak, MD

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